Pair Of Cinnabar Lacquered Makeup Boxes - China - Qing Dynasty - 19th Century

Exceptional pair of round carved cinnabar lacquer boxes (tihong), refined examples of Chinese decorative art from the Qing Dynasty. Diameter: 6 cm Thickness: 3.5 cm Material: Cinnabar red lacquer Period: 19th century (Qing Dynasty 1644-1912) Origin: Beijing or Yangzhou workshops Carved decoration: Dense floral pattern of plum blossoms and intertwined branches Relief carving on multiple layers of lacquer Characteristic "manhua" style (floral all-terrain decoration) Excellent quality satin polished finish Cosmetic boxes intended for ladies of Chinese high society, used to store makeup, powders and small jewelry. These objects were often offered as wedding gifts in the aristocracy. Very good general condition, natural patina of time. Perfectly preserved black lacquered interior. Private collection of Tarn (same address as the Qianglong vase which fetched 380,000 euros at auction).