Chinese Wood Food Container

Fat, round black box with a lid and faint flowers peeking through.

This painted wood food container is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Painted decoration on wood is generally applied over the bare surface or a prepared ground, and common Chinese motifs include flowers, birds and auspicious symbols. Low, drum-like container with a rounded shoulder and a flat lid, finished in dark glossy brown to black. Faint painted floral sprays show through the surface. A thin pale seam marks the lid join, with small chips along it. It is 12 inches wide, 12 deep and 6.5 high.

Plump, polished and keeping its secrets in the dark.