Chinese Dowry / Wedding Box on Stand

A tiered wedding box, black as ink, bound in studded metal and ready to travel.

This dowry or wedding box on a stand was made in elm wood in Shanxi Province, China, in the 19th century. Boxes of this type are commonly associated with marriage gifts and household storage. A tall open frame holds a lidded box, with rows of metal studs along its edges. The wood is dark with age. At the top, two red-lacquered panels with cloud-like cutouts flank a carrying loop.

About 23 inches tall, 21 wide and 15 deep. Plenty of room for a trousseau, or for the remote control.