Red and gold Mandarin hat box. 19th-century. A lacquer hat box. Probably a gift from the Chinese Emperor, as it as the five-toed dragon which was reserved for the Imperial family, other nobility having to content themselves with a dragon of four toes. The phoenix bird was the symbol of the Empress. The symbol on the top and sides is of double-wedded bliss. 11″ high, 14 1/2″ diameter. Some loss to bottom edge.
Chinese Imperial Lacquer Hat Box with Dragon and Phoenix Motifs, 19th-century
