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Antique Chinese Papier-Mâché Wedding Dowry Box – Floral Decoration
€440Bid from €220
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Private sellerProduct description
Antique Chinese Papier-Mâché Wedding Dowry Box – Late 19th / Early 20th Century
An impressive antique Chinese storage box, traditionally associated with wedding dowries and the preservation of clothing, ceremonial textiles and personal belongings.
Purchased approximately ten years ago from a specialist Asian antiques dealer, who identified it as a traditional Chinese wedding dowry container, attributed to the late 19th or early 20th century.
Its generous proportions, softly rounded rectangular shape and beautifully aged surface give the piece a striking sculptural presence.
Design & Materials
Handcrafted from multiple layers of pressed and laminated paper (papier-mâché), with an aged golden-ochre finish and delicate hand-painted green floral and botanical motifs.
The box retains its original removable lid.
One of its most fascinating features is the interior, which reveals later structural reinforcements made using recycled Chinese paper documents, handwritten school exercises and printed educational materials.
These reinforcements were added after the original construction and provide an interesting record of the object’s continued use and preservation.
Dimensions
* Length: 54 cm
* Width: 44 cm
* Height: 33 cm
* Circumference: approximately 162 cm
* Weight: approximately 4.4 kg
Condition
Authentic aged condition, with a rich natural patina.
The surface displays wear, abrasions, areas of finish loss, visible cracks and signs of later internal reinforcement, all consistent with the object’s history and fragile material.
The box has not been cosmetically restored.
Please examine the photographs carefully for a detailed impression of its condition.
Provenance & Period
Acquired from a specialist Asian antiques dealer approximately ten years ago.
Attributed to China, late 19th / early 20th century, based on the dealer’s original description. Exact dating and original ceremonial use have not been independently authenticated.
Decorative Appeal
A distinctive piece of traditional Chinese craftsmanship with a strong architectural and sculptural character.
Its generous scale and beautifully weathered finish make it particularly suitable for eclectic interiors, wabi-sabi environments, curated antique collections and contemporary spaces combining historic objects with modern design.
A remarkable decorative object that tells a story through its materials, craftsmanship and later alterations.
Careful, protective shipping from Italy can be arranged. Collection is also possible.
Specifications
CategoryDecorationConditionGoodColorsBrown, Gold, GreenMaterialPaperNumber of items1Height33 cmWidth54 cmDepth44 cmSigns of usageDiscoloring, Scratches, CrackSeller locationUdine, ItalyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerUdine, ItalyOn Whoppah since September 2026 • 1 sale