Beijing Elm Money Trunk

Description

Beijing, circa 1840

This antique chest is in elm wood, with its lovely patterned grain, and was produced in Beijing in the mid nineteenth century. The old finish has been stripped back to the natural, paler colour of the wood. The chest was made to hold money and valuables, with the upper section accessed through the two removable boards on top that could be secured with locks, and two small doors giving access to the bottom part. There is a removable central post between the doors. the heavy brass hardware is original and a typical feature of this type of cabinet.