19th CENTURY ANTIQUE CHINESE LACQUER GAME BOX

Description

Lacquer game box, China, circa early 19th century.
Approx. 12.5 by 6.5 x 4 inches tall.  Chinese export box with scalloped sides, rounded corners, hinged top lid, keyhole and key plate (lacks key). Overall chinoiserie decoration in various shades of gold decorate the top and sides of the box. Condition of outside box is very good for age with some wear to the gilt and two small chips along base and a few small chips along top edge.  See photos.  The interior holds two removable lacquer boxes, one possibly for a set of cards, the other has the original set of mixed poker type chips…som are wood and others unknown material.  There are 7 trays that are highly decorated.  See photos. The trays are decorated with the king of diamonds, another king of diamonds, two trays with the queen and king of diamonds together, the ace of diamonds, 9 of diamonds and one tray with the word "Game" written on it.  The inside lid has a beautiful depiction of crossed bamboo with finely detailed bamboo branches