{"product_id":"late-qing-chinese-red-lacquered-wedding-food-basket-c-1880-1915","title":"Late Qing Chinese Red Lacquered Wedding Food Basket, c. 1880–1915","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Piece\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA late 19th to early 20th-century Chinese red lacquered wedding or food basket, hand-formed in wood with a rounded covered body, dark lacquered interior, carved fruit-and-leaf appliqués, and aged metal clasp hardware. The surface carries a deep red lacquer finish with extensive age wear, shrinkage cracks, worn edges, old repairs, oxidation, and layered patina throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a piece defined by age rather than polish. The visible construction lines, softened carving, rubbed lacquer, and natural separations give it the kind of presence that only comes from long use, not decorative imitation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistory\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed lacquered covered baskets and boxes were used in China for food presentation, ceremonial gifting, storage, and wedding traditions. Red has long been associated with prosperity, happiness, protection, and celebration in Chinese decorative culture, making lacquered vessels especially meaningful in domestic and ceremonial settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example likely dates to the late Qing dynasty or early Republic period, approximately c. 1880–1915. Its hand-built paneled construction, worn lacquer surface, aged metal hardware, and visible wood movement are consistent with an older handmade vessel rather than a later decorative reproduction. The carved fruit-and-leaf appliqués suggest themes of abundance, fertility, and good fortune.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eObject\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCovered wedding basket \/ food basket \/ decorative storage box\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChina, likely\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeriod\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLate Qing to early Republic period, c. 1880–1915\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLacquered wood with metal hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAged red lacquer with dark lacquered interior\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDetails\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarved fruit-and-leaf appliqués, rounded lidded form, paneled body, metal clasp hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAntique condition with lacquer loss, surface scratches, shrinkage cracks, wood separations, worn edges, visible old repairs, oxidation to hardware, and interior wear throughout\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUse\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDecorative storage only; not recommended for food use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdd final measurements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy It Belongs In Your Home\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis basket brings the weight of age into a room through color, surface, and form. The aged red lacquer adds warmth and depth, while the carved appliqués and dark interior give the piece a sculptural quality from every angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStyle it on a console, library shelf, entry table, bedroom chest, or layered among books, pottery, brass, and framed art. It belongs in a collected interior where age is not hidden, but actually allowed to be the point. A shocking concept, apparently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viridian Eclection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47718160924777,"sku":null,"price":448.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/0093\/9369\/files\/DSC01118.jpg?v=1782266173","url":"https:\/\/viridianeclection.com\/products\/late-qing-chinese-red-lacquered-wedding-food-basket-c-1880-1915","provider":"Viridian Eclection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}