Chinese Dowry Chests
Chinese Dowry Chests
Antique Qing dynasty wedding chests.
In ancient China the mother of the bride had to give her daughter a chest of clothes on her wedding day to accompany the bride when she went to the bride-groom’s home. “Double Happiness” was usually inscribed on the chest, along with images of a dragon and phoenix
The beautiful decorated rectangular chest would be carried manually behind the bridal sedan chair followed by a group of musicians. These chests would be supported by long poles placed on the shoulders of the two male carriers.
On arrival at the bride-groom’s home the mother-in-law and other relatives would inspect the contents of the chest. Then the bride’s family background would be assessed and criticized because of the poor quality of the linens in the chests. This would happen regardless of the actual quality of the linens.
How the mother-in-law would treat her daughter in future would depend to a great extent on so called ‘dowry’ of the bride.
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The metal and wood trunk is a museum quality antique, with its original iron work and much of its original lacquer. The square hole in the center of the handle is where the carrying pole would have been inserted. The handle has work carvings at each end.
The chest is painted with an image of a dragon and a phoenix.
Of special interest is the iron metal work, handles, flat work and bars used throughout the box and the brass nail heads Even the base is adhered to the box with metal rods and fasteners.
The four compartment areas of the box open at each end by shifting the compartment above in a different direction. The upper compartment has a lid. The lips of each compartment interlock by nesting into the bottom of the upper cabinet, securing the compartment in place.
This wedding trunk can be used as a side table by placing a glass top over the upper compartment's lid as well as for storage.
