Chest made of pewter, inlaid with brass, China, early 19th century

Chest made of pewter inlaid with brass and chased with floral decoration, surmounted by a crown; consisting of eight drawers arranged in two 4-sided tiers, the faces of the upper tier placed over the angles of the lower. When the crown is removed a cylindrical box in two divisions can be seen. Lion's head knobs for ring handles are applied to the front of the drawers. Cross on top of the crown and some of the rings missing. The pins to secure the drawers missing at the time of the gift but the donar brought seven pins to the Museum in 1913. The eighth was made in the Museum.

Given by Mr O. Marriage

Given by Mr. O. Marriage, per Mr. W. E. Pinm (150 Brompton Road), accessioned in 1903. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.

Whether this chest was made for the European or Chinese market is still being debated. It consists of eight drawers arranged in two four-sided tiers. The design is similar to the Chinese 'secret boxes', where small drawers and compartments are cleverly concealed. But the finial in the shape of a crown (the cross on top missing) is a totally alien feature in Chinese art for domestic consumption. This object was probably specifically made to the order of a Chinese 'hong' merchant who had done business with Europeans and had acquired a taste for foreign design.

1454-1903