Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Wine Tables 132 x 50 x 85

132 x 50 x 85 (wxdxh cms)

Restored in our UK workshops

lamps such as this formed an important part of daily devotional practice throughout rural India

The lower section retains decorative carved details

The paraths are carved from a single piece of timber and are usually made from teak or acacia wood - our old parath bowls have a wonderful patina which comes from frequent use over many years

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Wine Tables 132 x 50 x 85This 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