The two antique looking covered boxes are containers with holders that have simple locking device to hold them in place. They would be carried on a pole by a manual laborer, moving items from place to place. A small pole was placed on the shoulder of a "coolie" or manual laborer with a box at each end of the pole. The metal ring at the top of the holder was where the pole goes through. This method is just about how items were transported from place to place in areas where horse or ox drawn carts could not go through.

The boxes are old as evident by the crazing on the brown lacquer that looked like snake skin. The lacquer on the inside show a lot of wear. Boxes that were used in everyday life in old China do not appear in the market place as they were still being used in some remote area in the provinces, away from modern living. This came to me by way of a group of items intended for a Chinese folk art exhibition. The wooden boxes have a lot of charm, they make nice conversation pieces.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: The boxes are in good shape but they are old, the lacquer finish has worn out in many places, and the hairline cracks can be seen on the photos. The imperfections are consistent with the age of the objects. One of the wires that hold the box in place needs to be replaced.

Origin:
China

Materials & Techniques:
Wood

Details:
Country of Origin: China
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; The boxes are in good shape but they are old, the lacquer finish has worn out in many places, and the hairline cracks can be seen on the photos. The imperfections are consistent with the age of the objects. One of the wires that hold the box in place needs to be replaced.