Lot 44: Antique Chinese Three-Tier Gilt-Decorated Black Lacquer Wedding Basket
A Chinese cylindrical multi-tiered container of the type traditionally used as a wedding basket or food carrier. The object is composed of three stackable sections and a fitted lid, all contained within a fixed, tall arched handle. It is constructed from a wooden substrate finished with multiple layers of black lacquer. The exterior is embellished using a gilt-lacquer technique. The lid features a central landscape scene depicting a pavilion amongst trees and mountains, while the sides of the tiers are decorated with repeating floral and foliate sprigs. The arched handle is finished in plain black lacquer. This form and decorative style are characteristic of Chinese lacquerware produced during the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic period. No maker’s marks, reign marks, or inscriptions are visible.
Condition report:
The basket is in fair condition, exhibiting wear consistent with its age and utilitarian history. There is notable rubbing and fading to the gilt decoration, particularly on the lid and the raised edges of the tiers. The black lacquer surface shows minor scuffing, scratches, and a general dulling of the finish. A small orange adhesive lot sticker is present on one side of the handle.
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