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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: thayla on September 22, 2009, 02:06:51 pm

Title: Small Chinese box w/ more pics now
Post by: thayla on September 22, 2009, 02:06:51 pm

Can anyone identify this item for me? I was told it may be a book stand or possibly a jewelry box...19th century Chinese. The ladder-like structure in the middle of the piece is hinged and moves about 75 degrees. It does not come off. There are no nails--everything is mortise and tenon. Drawers are dovetailed. There are some remnants of the original paint on the carvings, which feature dragon heads and a floral design.

It is 23 inches tall, 9 inches deep, and 11 inches wide. There is a red wax dot on the back of the box with Chinese lettering in the middle of it. The dot is about an inch in diameter. The only legible word in English is the word "permission." It appears there may have been other words, but the wax makes it hard to see. The wax also has the number 809.

Thanks kindly!

Title: Re: Small Chinese box
Post by: KC on September 22, 2009, 06:45:58 pm

Hi all....suggested thayla bring this to A-S forum for the "brains" to help out with.....what do you think?

Title: Re: Small Chinese box
Post by: KC on September 23, 2009, 02:57:28 pm

Please list the dimensions.  Could you post a side view of the drawer.  Any markings at all on it?

Title: Re: Small Chinese box
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on September 23, 2009, 04:28:23 pm

I've seen a few similar, I believe you have a jewelry or cosmetic box and the "ladder" is to hold a mirror. The glass would sit in the little hooks on the ladder.

Title: Re: Small Chinese box
Post by: thayla on September 23, 2009, 07:13:31 pm

Thank you both very much!!!! I provided more information in the description.

Title: Re: Small Chinese box
Post by: ironlord1963 on September 23, 2009, 07:28:54 pm

    Good call Tales, me and mysty kinda thought the same, for placing the mirror on.

Title: Re: Small Chinese box
Post by: thayla on September 23, 2009, 09:02:56 pm

Any thoughts about age or value?

Title: Re: Small Chinese box w/ more pics now
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on September 25, 2009, 12:41:45 am

This one is more unique than most. They vary a lot in price. I would hate to guess and steer you wrong, since I'm not an expert, but I generally see them running from $50 to $350 for jewelry boxes. I know that's a fairly broad range. I think yours is much more unique than most, so I would suggest running searches online and on Ebay until you can find one similar to compare prices.

Title: Re: Small Chinese box w/ more pics now
Post by: thayla on September 25, 2009, 08:58:38 pm

Thank you very much! 

Title: Re: Small Chinese box w/ more pics now
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on September 25, 2009, 10:07:55 pm

You could try Eugene and John at http://www.chineseantiquefurnitureshop.com/videos.html (http://www.chineseantiquefurnitureshop.com/videos.html) they are very helpful and have helped me with putting ages and values on several items I have. When I have asked them about a piece, they usually get right back to me in a day or so. You can tell them Claire with the Chinese wedding bed sent you!  :D