Painted Tibetan 'Dragon' Storage Chest - 18th Century Indonesia 210 x 45 x 91

210 x 45 x 91 (wxdxh cm)

There is a central carved figure playing music on a flute

This cabinet is not an antique

This vintage painted Chinese elm trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century

Painted Tibetan 'Dragon' Storage Chest - 18th Century Indonesia 210 x 45 x 91This gold & red 18th century Central Tibetan chest was originally destined for use in monasteries. Two opposing dragons support a vase of The Seven Gems inside a central cartouche. The designs are created in luxurious kyung bur raised gessowork suggesting this was an expensive commission by a wealthy patron for a monastery. Tibetan chests and trunks were used as storage in homes and monasteries. Boxes are normally made from cedar, pine or poplar. This