Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi Province - 19th Century Material - Roheda Wood the layers of old paint

the layers of old paint still visible on this original piece

100 x 45 x 85 (WxDxH cms)

These boxes were made using the lost wax casting technique also known as cire perdue

The front is chip carved in the traditional style with intricate floral designs and painted light green with lacquer bells overhanging

Every village would have its own Bhumiya Raj and it is believed that he rides around the villages at night dispelling evil spirits

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi Province - 19th Century Material - Roheda Wood the layers of old paintThis vintage painted Chinese elm trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century. This classic style was used by the Chinese traveling Shanxi Opera for carrying clothes and props. Each box depicts a scene of either actors or floral scenes in a rectangular panel on the front. Like all our pieces, it has been sympathetically restored showing signs of wear and the marks of age. Dimensions: 90 x 59