This is a genuine hardwood Chinese mirror box of quality and not to be confused with the cheap stained wood, or painted, later pieces. It is made of heavy richly coloured hardwood which has acquired a mellow patina, both on the wood and the metal handles and other hardware. The inlay is in mother of pearl.

These compact miniature furniture were not made for export, but a few found their way to England , brought back by the early traders and travelers to the Far East .  

Condition:

Size: 10.25” (front) x13.25” (side), 8.7 tall. 26cm x 34cm, 21.5cm tall.

Circa: 1810.         

The uncomplicated,-when closed- shape, opens into a most ingenious way to reveal drawers and to enable the mirror to stay up, so the whole can be used as a portable dressing miniature table. 

This arrangement inspired English cabinet makers to experiment with complex opening for dressing boxes. Firms like Betjemann’s took out patents for arrangements suspiciously similar to this. (See our book Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society -- 1700--1880, ISBN: 0764316885  Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, A Schiffer Book for collectors figure 160).  

The uncomplicated,-when closed- shape, opens into a most ingenious way

It is made of heavy richly coloured hardwood which has acquired a mellow patina, both on the wood and the metal handles and other hardware. The inlay is in mother of pearl.  

It is made of heavy richly coloured hardwood which has acquired a mellow patina, both on the wood and the metal handles and other hardware. The inlay is in mother of pearl.  

It is made of heavy richly coloured hardwood which has acquired a mellow patina, both on the wood and the metal handles and other hardware. The inlay is in mother of pearl.  

It is made of heavy richly coloured hardwood which has acquired a mellow patina, both on the wood and the metal handles and other hardware. The inlay is in mother of pearl.  

 The uncomplicated, -when closed- shape, opens into a most ingenious way to reveal drawers and to enable the mirror to stay up, so the whole can be used as a portable dressing miniature table. 

It is made of heavy richly coloured hardwood which has acquired a mellow patina, both on the wood and the metal handles and other hardware. The inlay is in mother of pearl.