Red Lacquer Treasure Box

This 19th-century Chinese lock box beautifully displays its age with a richly worn lacquer finish and faded gilt decoration. The box was originally lavishly decorated with scenes of palace courtyards and mountainous landscapes, intricately painted with gold pigments atop bright red lacquer. Used for storing money, seals, and other valuable small objects, the box is secured by a large brass lock plate in the shape of an auspicious ruyi, a symbol of longevity and good fortune.