120 - Black-and-gold lacquer tea box with two compartments, containing two pewter boxes

Black-and-gold lacquer tea box with two compartments, containing two pewter boxes China, Canton, 19th century Rectangular in shape, made of wood and entirely covered with black lacquer accented with gold decoration. The lid, all four sides, and the interior are adorned with landscapes featuring figures in pavilions and gardens, rendered in the Cantonese decorative style, framed by foliage, dragons amid clouds, and geometric friezes. The interior opens to reveal two compartments housing their original engraved pewter tea cans, complete with their bone-handled lids. The underside of the lid is decorated with two floral compositions of bamboo in gold on a black background. Original brass lock. Length: 21.3 cm; width: 14.3 cm; height: 10 cm. Signs of wear, minor chips, and scuffs on the lacquer, particularly on the lid and edges; slight oxidation on the pewter boxes.