Lacquered Happiness Box with Birds & Blossoms

This finely lacquered box was once presented as a gift, filled with popular snacks like roasted melon seeds, dried fruit, and cinnamon-toasted soy beans. Dated to the late 19th century, the lightweight box is formed of wood and lacquer in the shape of a gourd, a traditional symbol of family and perpetuity.

Cloaked in layer upon layer of burgundy-red lacquer, the box exterior is adorned with etched, gilt linework and painted decoration of birds amid plum tree branches. Inlaid with blossoms of carved bone and mother-of-pearl, the flowering branches twist and turn to form the Chinese character for happiness (喜 xǐ), offering blessings of joy to come. Found often on gifts for newlyweds and lovers, this combination of motifs is a celebration of joy, love and the arrival of spring.