Rice Basket with Handle Mirror inset with mother of pearl

inset with mother of pearl

the handles and front clasp are original

Note that each item is carved from individual stone so colours may vary slightly

In some cases these would house dozens of drawers

alongside their fruit tree

Rice Basket with Handle Mirror inset with mother of pearlZhejiang, circa 1880 Rounded wooden containers like this one were used to carry cooked foods. The inside sections would have held rice, meat and vegetables to take out to agricultural workers in the fields. This one is from Zhejiang a Chinese province south of Shanghai and made from pine wood. The rounded lid is divided into two parts and the handle is ornately carved with flowers and auspicous symbols.