Handicraft box - Regency - Black and gold lacquered wood - First half 19th century

A handicraft box from the first half of the 19th century manufactured in China (presumably in Canton) as an export product for the European market. The tea box is made of a light wood, black lacquered and all around beautifully decorated with refined gold paintings. The paintings are typical representations of everyday life in China. Refined piping, butterflies and flower & leaf motifs have also been applied. The paintings are slightly to very faded because of the use and influence of sunlight, this varies per side! Because of warping of the wood, the corners show shrinking cracks. The box has one large compartment with a removable tray, in which almost all sewing/handicraft attributes are still located. These are made of bone and lavishly decorated with twisting & carvings of various flower & leaf motifs, birds, etc. A lot of attributes work and/or can be opened by means of a fine thread. There is also a drawer one in the box with several compartments and a cover. Both in the removable tray and drawer, the lids are decorated with refined gold painting. The box still has its original fittings i. e. brass handles, hinges, key entries and locks, working keys are missing unfortunately. The box has a beautiful shine and rests on four stylised (dragon) claw legs with wings. The item will be sent well packed and with insurance!