This beautiful, highly collectible piece is a mid-century Chinese lacquerware pillow box—historically designed as a hard headrest or \"opium pillow\" that doubles as a secure hollow container for personal valuables while sleeping. The top features a prominent, ergonomically curved antique blue-and-white porcelain shard salvaged and beautifully inlaid into the lacquer frame.
Design & Symbols:
• Lid: Features a hand-painted cobalt blue porcelain fragment showcasing the auspicious Chinese Double Happiness (Shuangxi) symbol, traditionally representing marriage, joy, and harmony. It is framed by a delicate sweetpea vine scrolling pattern.
• Body: The exterior is finished in deep black lacquer. The top and sides are highly decorated with hand-painted gold geometric \"diaper\" patterns, while the ends and side panels feature beautiful, multi-colored floral medallions (cartouches).
• Interior & Base: The interior is finished in a smooth, matte black lacquer. The base is clean and unmarked.
Approximate Dimensions:
• Length: 8.5 inches
• Width: 4 inches
• Height: 3.5 inches (at highest curved point)
Condition Report:
Good vintage condition with beautiful aging. Structurally sound. The porcelain shard is firmly set, smooth, and free of cracks. As expected with authentic vintage lacquerware of this age, there is some minor, light chipping/scuffing along the interior rims and edges where the lid meets the base (please review all photos carefully). This wear is cosmetic and does not impact the function or display quality of the piece.
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