Chinese Scroll Box with Sliding Lid

Stern little coffin shape for something equally long and slim.

This zitan scroll box with a sliding lid is from Southern China, and dates to the 20th century. Zitan is a dense, dark, fine-grained hardwood used in Chinese furniture and fine objects, and it has been prized since the Ming and Qing periods. Seen here, a shallow rectangular case with a sliding top that has a small pull tab at its left end. The sides are straight and unadorned. The surface is dark brown, slightly dry, and softened by use.

Not much decoration, but excellent posture.