Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Origin - Persia this piece unusually is constructed

this piece unusually is constructed entirely from cryptomeria wood (Japanese cedar) called sugi in Japan

the pearl symbolises purity and is known as a stone of sincerity

Jackfruit wood is often used for building construction in South India as is comparable in quality to teak wood

This fabulous carved teak window shutter is from Rajasthan

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Origin - Persia this piece unusually is constructedThis old painted Opera Chest depicts scenes of the traditional Chinese opera. This style of Chinese chest is found exclusively in Shanxi Province in Northern China and dates from the late 19th century. Opera chests, including this one, are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be