Description
About
This exquisite antique trunk exemplifies traditional Chinese craftsmanship, dating to the late Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), based on its stylistic elements, materials, and decorative motifs. Constructed from hardwood—possibly camphor wood (Cinnamomum camphora) or elm.
Decorative Motifs and Symbolism
The trunk’s adornment centres on a front panel, executed in a delicate, freehand style. The paintings employ the “gongbi” (meticulous brushwork) technique, with fine lines and vibrant contrasts, blending floral and avian elements in a harmonious composition.
Primary Motifs:
• Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa): Dominant on the front and lid panels, these lush, layered blooms in full unfurl are rendered in layered pinks, whites, and golds against a red ground. Branches twist dynamically, with leaves in stylised, serrated forms.
• Birds: A pair of elegant birds—likely magpies (Pica pica) or stylised phoenixes (fenghuang)—perch amid the foliage. One bird faces right, its tail feathers fanned, while the other appears in profile, beak open as if singing. Their plumage is detailed with iridescent gold accents, evoking movement.
Secondary Elements: Scattered buds, vines, and abstract cloud scrolls frame the scene, adding depth and a sense of abundance.
Symbolic Meanings:
• Peonies: Known as the “flower of wealth and honour” (fugui hua), peonies symbolise prosperity, romantic love, and high social status. In Confucian and imperial contexts, their opulent blooms represent the fleeting beauty of life and the emperor’s benevolence. Here, their prominence suggests the trunk was commissioned for a prosperous household, perhaps to store bridal dowries or family heirlooms.
• Birds (Magpie or Phoenix): Magpies embody joy, good news, and marital harmony (as in the idiom “xi que,” or “happy magpie”), often paired to denote double happiness (shuang xi). If interpreted as phoenixes, they evoke renewal, virtue, and the empress’s grace, aligning with yin-yang balance. The birds’ interaction with peonies forms a rebus for “wealth brings joy” (fu dai xi), an auspicious wish for the owner’s fortune.
• Red and Gold Palette: Red (hong) signifies luck, vitality, and warding off evil, while gold (jin) connotes imperial splendour and eternity. Together, they amplify themes of abundance and protection, common in furniture meant for bridal chambers or ancestral halls.
This trunk not only serves as a functional heirloom but also as a cultural artefact, encapsulating the syncretic blend of Daoist naturalism, Buddhist auspiciousness, and commercial export aesthetics. Comparable pieces appear in collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum or Christie’s auctions, often valued at $5,000–$15,000 USD depending on provenance and condition. For authentication, consult a specialist in Asian antiquities, examining under UV light for lacquer layering and wood dendrochronology. If this is from your collection, professional conservation (e.g., wax polishing) is recommended to preserve the gilding.
Country of Origin
c.1900 Beijing, China
Dimensions
Width 57cm x Depth 32cm x Height 32cm
Materials
Solid wood
Care Instructions
Clean with a soft cloth
Keep away from heat sources or direct sunlight
Delivery Details
You are always welcome to come to pick the goods up at our store or our warehouse in Bristol, free charge
Goods will usually be dispatched within 3 working days after the payment has been received
Delivery Cost within mainland UK- £30.00
Due to the size and weight of this item, it is dispatched using the bespoke furniture courier service delivered on a mutually convenient day.
We deliver our goods internationally. Please email us at info@nookdeco.co.uk with your enquiries.
