Oriental Furniture Galloping Horses Oriental Storage Box Set

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Set of two
OFN1238: Ships Via Small Parcel Ground
These two matching boxes depict warriors riding their powerful steeds into battle. Chinese horses were known for their relatively small stature, accompanied by excellent strength and endurance, and horses are often used in Chinese art as symbols of strength and perseverance. Note the beautiful hand-carved apron, a traditional decorative element of Chinese furniture. This collection of fine Chinese home accents is hand-crafted by artisans working in the age-old tradition of China's Fujian Province, known worldwide for its dazzling lacquer-ware and wood carving.

Built with Philippine mahogany and elm wood, these oriental boxes feature an indigenous Fujian lacquering style which uses seven carefully polished layers of lacquer-tree sap to create a complex, beautiful, and sturdy surface; each piece is then antique-finished for a gorgeous authentic look. The resulting surface has a matte finish, uncommon among Chinese lacquer furniture, which is usually quite brilliant.

These oriental boxes are based on traditional designs steeped in ancient Asian history, and exhibit many common natural and cultural motifs, often adapted from ancient and beloved Asian art. Because of Fujian's proximity to Japan, many of these designs show a Japanese influence. For instance, many of these pieces depict a geisha, a celebrated symbol of Japan. Other motifs include birds, animals, and flowers, all of which are meaningful in Buddhist and Confucian-influenced cultures. The painted panels also often include lines of calligraphy and red seals; these have often traditionally been included in Chinese paintings, and many tell stories or poems, adding a lyrical element to the simple beauty of the artwork.