Antique Black Painted Storage Trunk

product code: ATK-TA-360622
£895.00
D54 x H59 x W86 x cm

Shanxi, circa 1890

This colourful blanket chest is of a type used by Chinese opera companies to hold props and costumes as they toured their performances. They were often painted with scenes from the operas they were showing, but this one is decorated mainly with various flowers in reds, oranges and creams. The main painting framed in a square on the front of the trunk shows Chrysanthemums and Lilies, each of which have symbolic meanings in China.

The word for Chrysanthemum in Chinese is 'jū', meaning to remain and 'jiǔ', meaning long time and is therefore used to represent long life. Similarly the characters for lily ('bǎi hé') sound similar to those used in a proverb about long-lasting union, and the flower is therefore a symbol for a long, happy marriage. Surrounding this main painting are further flowers and four circular longevity symbols. To the left and right are a female and male figure, presumably characters from the opera.

The trunk is made from 'wutong' wood in its original black lacquer finish and the paintings, while faded, are still bright against the dark surface. A simple metal clasp allows the lid to be secured in place. Great for unusual storage in a living room or bedroom or even as a side table next to a bed.

This item is currently out of stock. Please click here to check on availability.
This item is currently out of stock. Please click here to check on availability.

£35.00 delivery to most UK mainland addresses. Overseas shipping details shown at checkout.

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Large Furniture (to room of choice) £45 for UK mainland delivery 2-3 weeks
Large Furniture (unpack & remove packaging) £55 for UK mainland delivery 2-3 weeks
Small Furniture (to room of choice) £35 for UK mainland delivery 2-3 weeks
Small Furniture (unpack & remove packaging) £45 for UK mainland delivery 2-3 weeks
Small Items and Accessories £7.50 for UK mainland delivery 3-7 days
Extra Small Items £4.50 for standard UK delivery 3-7 days
Same Day or Express Delivery Price available on request 1-7 days
Deliveries outside the UK Price available on request


Our delivery charges are based on weight and size and will be calculated before you confirm you order. We will only charge up to a maximum of £45 (or £55 if you require the items to be unpacked) for a standard UK weekday delivery. For example, if your order contains a large furniture item and two small items, the delivery charge to room of choice will be £45 for a weekday delivery.

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We regularly arrange delivery of both furniture and smaller items to customers outside the UK. Our shipping partners can arrange a door to door delivery to your home in most parts of Europe, the USA and other locations. If you are ordering online from outside the UK then the 'overseas delivery' option will be applied automatically at checkout. We will then contact you to confirm the shipping charge before processing your payment. Alternatively, please contact us at info@shimu.co.uk with your full address and details of any items you wish to order. We can then confirm the shipping charges before you complete your purchase.


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Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that there is sufficient access to deliver any products you have ordered. Our delivery team will make every reasonable effort to deliver your furniture into a room you specify but cannot be held responsible if a particular piece will not fit, or for damage caused due to insufficient access. In particular, please consider any staircases or tight spaces which the product will have to fit through.


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If you have any queries regarding delivery please contact us on 0800 088 6800 (+44 1274 610961 from outside the UK) or email info@shimu.co.uk. We are open from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday - Friday and 10.00am - 4.00pm on Saturday.

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Returns

At Shimu we want you to be delighted with any item you buy from us. For this reason we offer a returns policy that gives you complete peace of mind. If for any reason you are unhappy with your purchase when it arrives, you can simply ask our delivery driver to return the item to our warehouse. We will then either replace it for you or provide you with a full refund exluding any delivery charge.

We also provide you with a 14 day cooling off period. Simply inform us within 14 days of the item being delivered that you wish to cancel the order. We will then arrange for the item to be picked up and returned to us and will provide you with a credit for other Shimu products or a full refund excluding the cost of return. All that we ask is that the item is returned to us in an unused condition and in its original packaging. For full details see our terms and conditions.

Our furniture is extremely well packed for shipping but in the rare event that the goods you receive arrive damaged please contact us as soon as possible on 0800 088 6800 (01274 610961 from a mobile) or by email at info@shimu.co.uk. We will arrange to either have the item repaired if appropriate and if agreed with you, or to collect the damaged item and organise a replacement or full refund.

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Aftercare

Lacquered furniture should need little cleaning other than the regular use of a dry, soft cloth or duster. To remove any stains, use a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid the use of too much water as this will affect the surface. Frequent waxing should not be needed but can be carried out every couple of months using a good quality natural beeswax. Do not use the cheaper silicone furniture sprays as these may affect the finish. Never use any abrasive cleaning products or chemicals.

Products in a natural finish can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Use a natural beeswax every few months to protect and nourish the wood.

Do not place hot or wet items directly onto the product surface as this can mark the finish. Clean any spills as soon as possible.

Avoid placing your furniture near a radiator or other heat source as this can lead to the wood drying out and shrinking, causing cracks or splitting. Ideally, leave at least a metre between your furniture and any heat source. Avoid also placing your furniture in strong, direct sunlight as the colour may fade over time.

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