Pair of Chinese black lacquered lift-top boxes, decorated with images of dragons and clouds, with Chinese character writing to top and silk lined interiors, each 1 1/2" H x 11" L x 8 1/2" W. Each box contains numerous views of Peking and Shanghai, circa 1912, most labeled in pencil on back, most original photographs but also a few postcards, about 50 images total. Also includes 2 sheets of Chinese calligraphy and a copy of the Peking Daily News paper, written in English and dated Feb. 13, 1912, reporting on the abdication edict of Empress Dowager Lung-Yu, which ended the Qing Dynasty and began the Chinese Republic period. The archive was compiled by Frank Packard, an American living in Peking (later Beijing ) during that period. Also included are some letters from Packard with photos of the interior and furnishings of his house where he was living and several images of Chinese scrolls, plus two (2) paintings on linen depicting birds in peony and dogwood branches, signed (9 1/2" x 7 5/8" sight, 16 3/4' x 12 3/4" framed); and 1 framed sheet of Chinese calligraphy (9 /12" x 9" sheet, 15" x 12" framed). Provenance: estate of James R. (and Mary B.) Packard, Huntsville, Alabama. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

Light cracks to lacquer boxes and several losses at corners. Photographs exhibit light toning and curves at edges. Creases to newspaper with some small tears at fold lines and light toning. Calligraphy sheets have some losses to edges and scattered discoloration and creasing. Bird paintings: each with overall toning and some creasing in upper right corners, one has several spots of discoloration (largest 1/2" long) to upper half.