Bidspirit auction | Mid-20th Century Chinese Black Lacquer

Mid-20th Century Chinese Black Lacquer and Hardstone Inlaid Jewellery Box - A mid-20th century Chinese export jewellery box of rectangular form with a hinged lid. The exterior is finished in black lacquer, featuring a central applied relief scene on the lid depicting a female figure holding a fan and seated on a rock beneath a banana tree. The figure and foliage are composed of various carved hardstones, including soapstone in shades of green, pink, and white. The composition is further embellished with gilt-painted details of bamboo and grasses against the black ground. The front and side panels are decorated with gilt-painted foliate and scrolling geometric borders. The interior is lined with a bright turquoise-blue synthetic fabric and contains a removable top tray with multiple compartments and a ring roll section. The underside of the lid features an inset mirror within a stylized quatrefoil border. The box is fitted with a traditional brass ruyi or cloud-form lock plate to the front and two brass hinges at the rear. No visible reign marks, maker's marks, or labels are present. Width: 30.5 cm Depth: 20.3 cm Height: 10 cm.