Chinese Scalloped Covered Box

Red box shaped like a melon, with ridges and a slightly guilty gloss.

This scalloped covered lacquered wood box is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. Lacquered wooden boxes from northern China served for storing food, textiles and small household items, with lids that fit closely to keep the contents dry. Rounded, lobed box with deep vertical grooves running from crown to base, like segments of a pumpkin. The glossy red surface is mottled with darker patches, and a thin seam shows where lid meets base. It is 8 inches wide, 8 deep and 5.5 high.

Round, ribbed, and entirely sure of itself.