A CHINESE RED-LACQUERED WEDDING BASKET
China, 19th century

Of typical compressed globular shape, resting on a tall circular foot, with an unhinged circular lid and a slender swing handle, coated in red lacquer, the underside plain black, the interior of the lid with a black floral design in the centre.

23cm diameter and 49cm high

Provenance: UK diplomatic family collection since the early 20th century.

Baskets such as the present example were used in 19th-century China as wedding baskets, usually filled with auspicious fruits and gifts for the couple. Emblems of marital harmony and good fortune, they were often coated with red lacquer, the colour of luck and prosperity according to Chinese beliefs.