WAS R1,800 NOW R1,200  LESS 1/3RD

 AN OLD TAKE ON KEEPING VALUABLES UNDER YOUR PILLOW

This vintage and  beautifully detailed wood concave pillow box is covered  in hand stitched leather. Designs of a golden Dragon and Phoenix Bird grace the top of the lid, as well Chinese symbols.  The front is also decorated with flowers.  Inside the box the lining is old print of Chinese symbols and characters.

The affluent class would use leather boxes with delicate gold paintings. They came in many colours, shapes, and sizes with perhaps the most unique being the concave "pillow" as on offer.
 

Historical significance:
Once common  in the Qing dynasty, but now considered quite rare, these unique items served two purposes in ancient China.  Housewives would hide their belongings or important family documents in the boxes to protect them  since typical Chinese houses were not locked. These boxes were also used by Chinese sailors to hide their valuables and use the boxes as their pillow when travelling. The boxes were sturdily built to withstand daily use with many of them surviving for generations.  Document boxes were also used in Japan, Korea and other Asian countries
 

The most beautiful and sought after document boxes were used by wealthy merchants while travelling. These boxes were often beautifully crafted with delicate designs of gold leaf and lacquers painted directly on the polished wood cases or on tightly stretched and padded leather coverings for added  luxury and comfort.

This concave pillow box box measures 22cms x 9cms x 9cms and has a unique brass latch and closure, and two side handles. 

Weight 500 grams.

As can be seen in the pictures, signs of wear are typical of age and use.