Chinese Leather Hinged Box

A black box, a brass clasp, and a closed-lip look.

Craftsmen of Shanxi Province, China, made this hinged box in leather in the 19th century. Boxes of this sort were commonly used in Chinese homes and shops to store documents, clothing or valuables. The rectangular body is covered in dark, nearly black leather, with a slightly domed lid and a brass hasp at the front. The surface is dry and finely cracked, with pale scuffs along the edges and small flecks of lighter color near the base. The corners are worn but tight.

Roughly 21 inches wide. It keeps its secrets and looks good doing it.