Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Chicken Wing Wood For a similar example see

For a similar example see plate 94 in The Decorative Arts of The China Trade by Crossman

creating a beautifully aged patina that speaks to their long history and use

It dates to the 19th century and stands taller than many other altar tables we sell and would be perfect in a hallway or large room

it brings with it the quiet presence of a utilitarian object elevated by craftsmanship

This lovely teak panel has been salvaged from an old building in South India

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Chicken Wing Wood For a similar example seeThis old painted Chinese trunk is often referred to as an Opera Chest. This style of Chinese chest is found exclusively in Shanxi Province in Northern China and dates from the late 19th century. Opera chests, including this one, are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be