Stacking Box Side Table

It's easy to imagine the round lid of this Qing-dynasty stacking box lifting to reveal a feast of steaming-hot dumplings, mantou buns, filled baozi or other small delicacies. Originally affixed with a handle for ease of carrying, the large box was used to transport prepared food to the market by street vendors or to cater special occasions such as weddings, festivals or religious ceremonies.

The three-tier box is crafted of bent wood and finished with lacquer and hand-painted decoration of landscape scenery and auspicious motifs, including songbirds, rabbits, offering fruits, bats and flowers of the seasons. Raised upon a footed base with simple cabriole legs, the rustic food container lives on today as an unexpected side table with rich history.

Some layers of the stacking box have been lost.