Chinese Antique Wedding Carrying Box

Chinese Wedding Carrying Box (Chinese Antique Wedding Carrying Box). A museum quality antique, with its original iron work and much of its original lacquer. This Chinese antique wedding carrying box would have traditionally been used to carry a bridge's dowry when moving to her new husband's family home and/or to carry food to a wedding or other special event. The square hole in the center of the handle is where the carrying pole would have been inserted. Also, when the pole was inserted it acted as a locking mechanism-not allowing the sliding bars to move. The handle has pierced lattice work carvings at each end.

The remaining rugged patina reveals red and black layers of lacquer.

Of special interest is the iron metal work, handles, flat work and bars used throughout the box and the brass nail heads Even the base is adhered to the box with metal rods and fasteners.

The four compartment areas of the box open at each end by shifting the compartment above in a different direction. The upper compartment has a lid. The lips of each compartment interlock by nesting into the bottom of the upper cabinet--securing the compartment in place.

Today, this carrying box can be used as a side table by placing a glass top over the upper compartment's lid; as well as for storage. Antique Asian Furniture & Furnishings: Chinese Antique Wedding Carrying Box from Shanxi Province, China.