Lacquered Chinoiserie Trunk

Lacquered chinoiserie trunk showcases traditional Chinese decorative artistry with bold, active elements. Artisans applied a glossy black lacquer finish, creating an elegant base for the vibrant gold detailing.

Design and Construction:

• Craftsmen painted two large gold Chinese characters in circular medallions on the front:

  • Left (壽): “Shòu,” representing longevity.

  • Right (福): “Fú,” meaning fortune or happiness.

• They filled the surrounding space with bats and auspicious clouds, enhancing the trunk’s symbolic richness.

• They repeated the 囍 (Double Happiness) symbol at the corners, reinforcing themes of joy and celebration.

• They mounted an ornate black metal lock plate in the center, adding both security and stylistic balance.

• On the sides, they continued the gold motif and added iron carrying handles for portability.

• The trunk rests on a raised, black-painted wooden base, which elevates and stabilizes the structure.

Purpose and Appeal:

Owners likely used this trunk to store valuable items, trusting the auspicious symbols to guard the contents and bless the home. This piece blends practical storage with decorative opulence, embodying the elegance of classical Chinese design.