Antique Carved Shell Mother of Pearl Inlay Wood Trinket Box Chinoiserie
Antique Carved Shell Mother of Pearl Inlay Wood Trinket Box Chinoiserie
Antique Chinese Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Wooden Box – Chinoiserie
A charming antique Chinese mother-of-pearl inlaid wooden box decorated with finely engraved shell panels in the chinoiserie taste. The combination of dark wood, shimmering mother-of-pearl and detailed Asian-inspired imagery gives this antique box a distinctive decorative character.
The hinged lid features a central oval cartouche depicting a traditional Asian landscape with a multi-tiered pagoda, gnarled trees, rocks and a robed figure. The scene is surrounded by geometric and floral borders, creating an intricate composition typical of decorative chinoiserie objects.
The front, sides and back are decorated with further engraved mother-of-pearl inlay panels, featuring pagodas, foliage and other traditional Asian-inspired motifs. The natural iridescence of the shell becomes especially striking when viewed in the light.
The box retains its original brass hinges and clasp, and the hinged lid opens and closes properly.
The piece is likely Chinese export work dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, although its exact origin and date have not been independently documented.
Key Details
- Type: Antique Chinese decorative wooden box
- Style: Chinoiserie / Chinese export
- Decoration: Engraved mother-of-pearl / shell inlay
- Design: Asian landscape with pagoda, trees, rocks and robed figure
- Dimensions: Approx. 13 × 9 × 7 cm
- Materials: Wood, mother-of-pearl/shell inlay and brass fittings
- Period: Likely late 19th to early 20th century
- Origin: Likely Chinese export work; exact origin not documented
- Fittings: Brass hinges and clasp
- Lid: Hinged; opens and closes
- Condition: Antique/used condition with visible age-related wear
Condition
This antique mother-of-pearl box is sold as found and retains its original aged character.
Some of the shell inlay panels show cracks and old losses. The wooden body has scratches, wear and chips to the corners, all of which are visible in the photographs.
The brass hinges and clasp are present, and the lid remains functional.
The beautiful natural iridescence of the mother-of-pearl inlay changes with the light and is one of the most distinctive features of this unusual antique decorative box.
This chinoiserie wooden box would make an attractive addition to a collection of antique Asian decorative arts, Chinese export objects, mother-of-pearl inlay or historic chinoiserie.