Shanxi, circa 1850Brightly decorated trunks were used by opera troupes in China, placed on the back of their carts as they travelled the countryside around Shanxi province. The idea was that the paintings, which depicted scenes from the opera, would be seen by local townspeople, spreading the news that the troupe was in town. The man and woman at the centre of this one are framed all around by flowers in now soft greens, oranges and creams. A simple clasp on front allowed the trunk to be locked, and it has been reduced from its original depth to make it a more practical size in a modern home.
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