An attractive antique chinoiserie decorative box dating from around the late 19th to early 20th century, finished in black lacquer with hand-painted gilt, red and muted polychrome decoration.

The front is particularly appealing, decorated with a stylised landscape of figures, pagodas, trees and garden architecture, with further floral and foliate decoration continuing across the sides and lid. The box stands on four elaborate gilt-metal feet, giving it a wonderfully theatrical and slightly exotic appearance.

The hinged lid opens to reveal a pale lined interior. The original lock escutcheon remains to the front. The exact original purpose is uncertain, although boxes of this form were often used for tea, jewellery or other personal effects.

There is considerable age-related wear throughout, including rubbing and losses to the lacquer and painted decoration, small knocks and losses around the corners, and staining and wear to the interior lining. These have been left untouched and form part of the character of the piece.

Measures approximately 25 × 14 × 15 cm / 9.8 × 5.5 × 5.9 in.