Small Chinese box w/ more pics now

[thayla]

Can anyone identify this item for me? I was told it may be a book stand or possibly a jewelry box...19th century Chinese. The ladder-like structure in the middle of the piece is hinged and moves about 75 degrees. It does not come off. There are no nails--everything is mortise and tenon. Drawers are dovetailed. There are some remnants of the original paint on the carvings, which feature dragon heads and a floral design.

It is 23 inches tall, 9 inches deep, and 11 inches wide. There is a red wax dot on the back of the box with Chinese lettering in the middle of it. The dot is about an inch in diameter. The only legible word in English is the word "permission." It appears there may have been other words, but the wax makes it hard to see. The wax also has the number 809.

Thanks kindly!

[KC]

Hi all....suggested thayla bring this to A-S forum for the "brains" to help out with.....what do you think?

[KC]

Please list the dimensions.  Could you post a side view of the drawer.  Any markings at all on it?

[talesofthesevenseas]

I've seen a few similar, I believe you have a jewelry or cosmetic box and the "ladder" is to hold a mirror. The glass would sit in the little hooks on the ladder.

[thayla]

Thank you both very much!!!! I provided more information in the description.

[ironlord1963]

    Good call Tales, me and mysty kinda thought the same, for placing the mirror on.

[thayla]

Any thoughts about age or value?

[talesofthesevenseas]

This one is more unique than most. They vary a lot in price. I would hate to guess and steer you wrong, since I'm not an expert, but I generally see them running from $50 to $350 for jewelry boxes. I know that's a fairly broad range. I think yours is much more unique than most, so I would suggest running searches online and on Ebay until you can find one similar to compare prices.

[thayla]

Thank you very much! 

[talesofthesevenseas]

You could try Eugene and John at http://www.chineseantiquefurnitureshop.com/videos.html they are very helpful and have helped me with putting ages and values on several items I have. When I have asked them about a piece, they usually get right back to me in a day or so. You can tell them Claire with the Chinese wedding bed sent you!