Cleveland Museum of Art

Small Chest with Inner Drawers

Date

1700s

Medium

Rosewood (huanghuali) and metal

Culture

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

Department

Chinese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This small chest fitted with drawers and a tray was used to store seals, cosmetic utensils, or other necessities of daily life. Chests were portable and placed on tables or shelves and were secured with a metal pin inserted through the metal loops on the front panels. The rare tropical hardwood ( huanghuali ) would have been only affordable to individuals of a higher social status. The top lifts up to gain access to the storage area below and allows the front doors to open, revealing 5 interior drawers.

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