Antique Chinese Painted Trunk In Pine Wood – Dongbei, Circa 1930
Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
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Buyer protection
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Pine
Style
Vintage, Oriental, Traditional
Product Details
Description
Antique Chinese painted trunk in pine wood, traditional storage furniture with monochrome decoration originating from Dongbei and dated circa 1930. Originates from Dongbei, in northeastern China, from the early 20th century, where pine was worked using traditional joinery without nails and decorated on the front face with white monochrome paint on a vermilion ground.
In the rural houses of Dongbei in the early 20th century, storage trunks were central pieces of the domestic trousseau. They held clothing, textiles and personal belongings as part of the bridal dowry (jiazhuang), and that is why they carried painted decoration on the front face — the only one visible when the trunk rested against the wall. They are part of the utilitarian tradition of northeastern China.
Built in solid pine. The hinged lid opens on original wrought iron hinges. The traditional carpentry uses no nails.
The front face retains its original white-on-vermilion decoration. A double Chinese meander border (huiwen 回紋) frames the central field — a symbol of unbroken continuity and unending prosperity. In the four corners of the frame appear small floral cartouches; on the sides, vases with floral arrangements; and in the upper central cartouche, a decorative spray. The central field is laid out as a grid of cartouches with varied flowers — peonies (mudan 牡丹), emblem of prosperity; chrysanthemums (ju 菊), one of the Four Gentlemen, associated with longevity; lilies and orchids — interspersed with small butterflies (die 蝶), symbol of longevity and conjugal joy. The white-on-vermilion technique echoes Cizhou ceramics and Ming lacquerware of high decorative value.
The patina records the passage of time: the pine of the side faces and the lid shows a warm aged tone with the grain clearly legible, while the painted front retains the original contrast between the white pigment and the deep red, with the soft wear of an original finish nearly a century old. The structure remains solid.
It fits naturally in contemporary rustic interiors, country houses or thematic galleries. It works as a storage piece at the foot of the bed, a low bench in an entrance or a decorative support in a corner. Its monochrome iconography and its contained volume are its greatest value.
Details
Dimensions: Length 78 cm – Width 57 cm – Height 66 cm
Style: Painted Chinese utilitarian furniture
Materials and techniques: Solid pine, white paint on vermilion ground, wrought iron hardware; hinged lid, traditional joinery without nails, double huiwen border around the composition
Place of origin: Dongbei, China
Period: Late Qing dynasty / Early Republic of China (circa 1930)
Date of manufacture: Circa 1930
Condition / Notes: Sound structure. Original patina and paint. Possible marks and traces of use. Wear consistent with age and use.
Condition report:
Sound structure. Original patina and paint. Possible marks and traces of use. Wear consistent with age and use.
Wear Condition
Good
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Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
One to two weeks
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 6 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
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6. What happens next
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Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
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Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
