Chinese Offering Box "chanab" With Gilded And Lacquered Decor Early 20th Century

Chinese “chanab” offering box with gilded and lacquered decoration for the Straits or Peranakan market, 19th century. The chanab was placed at the center of each Straits Chinese family's sam kai altar, the most important altar in the family home. The sam kai altar was used for important ceremonies, especially weddings. When not in use, the six-sided black lacquered box was placed on the chanab to protect it.

Total height of the box when placed on the lid: 42 cm

This rare chanab, made in black and red and gold lacquered pine wood, with a black and gold lacquered lid, is meticulously carved with court scenes. It has six legs, each resting on movable, carved Buddhist lions. It has six sides.
When not in use, it is covered to protect it.
Chanabs used by the Straits Chinese and Peranakan of Southeast Asia are generally hexagonal in shape (as here).
Chanabs used by the Hokkien in China are generally square.

Creation Year: ca 1915
Dimensions: Height: 10.24 in (26 cm)Width: 13.39 in (34 cm)Depth: 5.52 in (14 cm)
Medium: Gold Leaf,Lacquer,Wood Panel
Period: 1910-1919
Condition: Fair one carved leg is damaged ( missing wooden part ) in the middle see pictures.