Antique Black Lacquered Box

This captivating early 20th-century lacquerware box transports you to a serene Chinese farming village.  The fully carved lid unfolds a scene of daily life: two men, one seated on a rock, the other standing, engage in conversation with a villager carrying a load of wood, while another figure observes.  Behind them, charming village homes are nestled among the verdant trees of a scenic mountain landscape.  The carving is exceptionally detailed, revealing textured paths winding through the village, hay-covered roofs and meticulously rendered fences.  The depth of the scene creates a sense of immersion, bringing the village to life.  Longevity scrolls and peonies grace the box's trim, and a vibrant green lacquered border provides a nice visual accent.  Box is inspired by the lacquerware of the Qing dynasty's Qianlong era, reflecting ancient Chinese scholar's appreciation for the tranquility of bucolic life.