Antique Chinese Wedding Basket, Red Lacquer, Porcelain Plaque Insert, c. 1900

Description

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Antiques & Moore!
This listing is for a lovely antique traditional Chinese red lacquer 3-tier wedding basket decorated with a hand painted porcelain plaque insert in the top, c. 1900 (possibly earlier). The basket has three stacking compartments with a handle that extends down each side to become a frame with handle for carrying. The red lacquer body is elaborately decorated with gilt designs including a Calligraphy symbol on the front and back of the second compartment. The top of the basket is decorated with a large hand painted porcelain plaque with figures and a mythical beast painted with colorful details.
Measures 6 1/2" high to top of plaque, 9 1/4" high to top of handle, 10" wide and 6 1/2" wide. Weighs 3.8 pounds.
This nice wedding basket is in very good Estate condition with the only noted flaw being some minor damage to the edge of the wood framing the porcelain plaque on upper right side otherwise the basket reflects only minor normal wear commensurate with age. The lacquer finish is clean and the structure of the body is sound. The handle is stationary and the basket sits on four feet to protect the bottom. Please view all photos as they are considered part of condition description.
History: Wedding rituals are one of the most significant and long lasting customs in China. This type basket was used for the presentation of gifts which were carried in the various stacked compartments. The gifts represented the couple's engagement, the groom's promises to the bride's family and the acceptance of the bride and groom into each other's family. These wedding baskets range from the most simple designs to the most elaborate which were given by very wealthy families.
Please Note: Although we love Asian antiques, we are not experts in this category. Should you have a specific question that we have not addressed, please email and we will promptly respond.
We at
Antiques & Moore
have been in the Antiques business for over 30 years and try to describe our items as accurately as possible.  Although all sales are considered final, if there is an error in our description or a problem with our item, we will issue a full refund of the purchase price if contacted within 3 days after receipt of item, however, please note that we can not refund shipping charges.  We are happy to answer any questions and always appreciate your business!