Chinese Export Lacquered Sewing Box and Tea Box

Description:

Chinese Export Lacquered Sewing Box and Tea Box, 19th century, the sewing box with red, mustard, taupe, and gilt decoration on black, central oval cartouches on top and sides depicting scenes of buildings and trees in a mountainous landscape with a foliate, fruit, and geometric pattern background, the lid opens to a cavity fitted with several compartments and sewing implements, many made of carved ivory, front lock and key and lower drawer; together with a tea box with gilt foliate border on a dark brown ground, the interior fitted with a lift-out pewter tea caddy with engraved decoration of two bearded figures amidst flowers and foliage, (wear, cracks, and some small losses of lacquer),5 1/2 x 14 1/2 x 10 1/2; 4 x 8 1/4 x 6 1/4 in., respectively.

Provenance: Family descent from sea captain Nathaniel Kinsman, of Salem, Massachusetts, who was involved in the China trade; see lot 60.
Estimate $300-500

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