19th Century Chinese lacquered sewing box

Impressive Mid 19th century Chinese Lacquer Sewing Box with a Large Collection of Original Cow Bone & Other Tools .

Decorated throughout in black & gold gilt lacquer with chinoiserrie scenes of oriental figures in landscapes of pavilions & pagodas.

The central panel to the lid also depicts islands & a Chinese junk boat on water. This is surrounded with a trellis border with iron red foliate scroll decoration.

The casket shaped box has drop side handles & is of rectangular / octagonal form with a domed lid and stands on four balled feet. The interior has a lift out top tray with storage compartments with decorated lift out lids.

There is a lower draw beautifully fitted for silk painting with hinged lid and this can be kept in a raised position by two side adjustable wooden supports.

The box measures approx 14" x 10" x 6" & retains a good selection of its original tools, the thread barrels being exceptionally well carved with bird motifs. There is also a large array of other sewing implements including a lovely rare cowry shell tape measure