Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Papier Mache 5 x 3 (wxdxh cms)

5 x 3  (wxdxh cms)

The Jains are also known for their elaborate and colourful artwork

They were sealed to keep the tobacco and opium sealed from moisture and were often highly valued and well cared for

Carved Teak Bowl From Banswara - Rajasthan - 19thCUseful and decorative - Paraths were used as mixing bowls for making chapatti and paratha - They are found all over India

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Papier Mache 5 x 3 (wxdxh cms)This old painted Opera Chest depicts scenes of the traditional Chinese opera. This style of Chinese chest is found exclusively in Shanxi Province in Northern China and dates from the late 19th century. Opera chests, including this one, are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be