Chinese Dowry / Wedding Box on Stand

Dark, studded box with a ring on top, a carved crest, and a base of cutout drawers.

This dowry / wedding box on stand is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 17th or 18th century. It is carved & lacquered elm wood & metal. During the Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1976, a great deal of antique Chinese furniture was burned, confiscated or scattered, which the article says helped start the scarcity of such pieces. Deep dark chest framed with a carved pierced crest and a metal carrying ring above. Rows of small studs line the heavy planked front. A low base with three pierced openings sits beneath. It is 31 inches long, 18 deep and 40 high.

Built to be carried, and stubbornly heavy-looking.