Chinese | Lacquered Wood | Document Box with Pin Closure | Floral and Butterfly Decoration | China | Late 20th Century

A box made to hold what is kept — and lined with a text that suggests when to do so.

Lacquered wooden boxes of this type were produced in China for both domestic use and export, drawing on a long-established tradition of decorative lacquer applied over a wooden core. The form — elongated and low, with a fitted lid and metal-mounted corners — is typical of document or pen boxes intended for correspondence, writing implements, or small personal objects. The use of a vivid green ground with gilt and polychrome decoration reflects a decorative export vocabulary built around auspicious natural motifs.

The box is rectangular with a gently domed lid, finished in a deep emerald green lacquer. At the centre of the lid, a framed panel depicts a flowering tree rising from scholar’s rocks, its branches extending outward with blossoms in white, amber, and gold. Two butterflies appear in flight among the branches. The panel is bordered with a fine gilt line. The shorter sides of the lid are finished in a darker red-brown tone with gilt scrolling decoration, while the remaining exterior surfaces are plain green. Metal corner mounts and hinge plates in a darkened brass tone reinforce the structure. The lid closes with a central hasp, secured by a small decorative pin.

The interior is fully lined with printed Chinese text in a dense vertical format, consistent with traditional almanac layouts. The lining is intact across both lid and base.

The lacquered surface shows visible crazing and fine crackling to the central panel, most apparent in angled light. There is minor wear to the edges and small losses at the corners. The interior remains clean and undisturbed. Overall, the box presents in very good condition consistent with age and use.

Key details

• Maker: Unattributed
• Pattern/Model: Floral and butterfly panel decoration
• Material: Lacquered wood with metal mounts
• Origin: China
• Date: Late 20th century
• Size: 28.2 × 9.3 × 4.7 cm
• Weight: 415 g
• Condition: Very good; surface crazing to lid panel, minor edge wear and small losses consistent with age

Collector Appeal

Decorative lacquer boxes of this type occupy a steady position within the market, valued for surface, colour, and usability rather than rarity. The interior almanac-style lining adds a point of distinction, giving the piece both visual and narrative depth beyond purely decorative appeal.

The text inside marks out favourable days; the box itself suggests that something was worth waiting to keep.