Petite Apothecary Chest

This early 20th-century petite chest of drawers is an example of the multi-functional boxes used tabletop in lieu of a larger cabinets. Such boxes were used to store cosmetics, jewelry, documents, and other accessories. This chest clearly borrows its design from the many-drawered apothecary cabinet, and was likely used by a traditional herbalist to keep common medicinals on hand. Finished with a layer of muted red lacquer, this tabletop chest is a charming example of Qing-dynasty household accessories and makes the perfect jewelry box.