Box - Wood - Canton - Box for a sawl with original painting inside - China - Mid 19th century

The item consists of a lacquered wooden box likely destined to contain a light kimono or part of it. It still contains the painted cardboard to keep the garment in the correct position. The wooden box is decorated with refined gold leaf decorations on the corners and on the edges, but above all in the central reserve, where, between lotus flowers and bamboo, a gallant scene is placed against the background of a round table. The removable internal painting is a watercolour crafted with great skill, with beautiful exotic flowers, in which two birds with stunning feathers are inserted; other decorations, multicoloured and elaborate, make the design bright, elegant, with a great surprise effect when opening the box. It has an inscription in Chinese characters on the external edge. Condition: the wooden box has undergone some conservative restorations in the wood, some minor defects, but overall it maintains its integrity and elegance; the visible part of the design is in excellent condition, with some defects and flaws on the outer parts. Dimensions: box 47 x 47 x 6 cm; design 44. 5 x 44. 5 cm Weight: 2 kg.