Antique Black Painted Opera Trunk, 1890s

This beautiful Shanxi Antique Black Painted Opera Trunk, crafted circa 1890, has experienced subtle colour fading over time. Soft pinks, oranges, blues, and greens blend together in a beautiful autumnal palette. Intricately painted scenes from Chinese operas, fruits, and flowers remain vibrant on the front of this impressive trunk. Four figures, draped in traditional costume, appear together, the one to the right of the group seated at a tea table. The frames of the central motif bring forth butterflies – signifying longlife and bliss in matrimony – as well as pomegranates representing fertility. This image likely narrates a tale of love and marriage.

This type of trunk would usually be painted with vivid florals or scenes from classical Chinese stories and literature, used by opera troupes as a means to transport their costumes and props as they travelled from place to place. The painted scenes often related to the operas they performed, working as an advertisement for the troupe as they traversed rural areas. Today, these trunks are the perfect solution for unique storage, and can also act as an eye-catching side table beside a sofa or bed.