This black lacquer box is intricately decorated in gilt with panels depicting scholars and ladies at leisure with their attendants, both on pavilion terraces and in scenes of nature. It is fitted with four rectangular boxes and eight shallow rectangular card trays, similarly decorated. Furniture and small lacquered items were specially ordered from workshops in Canton for European clients, and shipped to Europe by individuals or private companies. During the 18th century, shapes and designs were often made in imitation of western models, but by the 19th century, Chinese motifs and decorative scenes became popular, to appeal to the chinoiserie aesthetic.
