Title
A Chinese Export Cigar Box
Object Type
Creator
Date
c. 1835
Description
A Chinese export cigar box (Chinese, c. 1835) made for William Shepard Wetmore (1801-1862). The rectangular box is elaborately decorated with framed genre scenes in gold and floral borders. The whole stands on four paw feet, drop handles are adhered to the sides, and the hinged lid has a metal lock plate along the front at center. The top is inscribed with a “W” at center for Wetmore, this is surrounded by a rectangular scene of figures in boats and pavilions framed with dragons. The interior lid of the cigar box is decorated with a large landscape scene of rockwork islands with boats and figures surrounded by a floral border.
William Shepard Wetmore, the original owner of Chateau-sur-Mer, was heavily involved with the China Trade, establishing his own merchant house Wetmore & Co. in Canton.
William Shepard Wetmore, the original owner of Chateau-sur-Mer, was heavily involved with the China Trade, establishing his own merchant house Wetmore & Co. in Canton.
Cultural Origin
Chinese
Medium
black lacquer
brass
Extent
7.5" x 15.25" x 6.5"
Collection
Source
Gift of Mrs. Elizabeth Morris Smith, 1979.
Identifier
PSNC.4431
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.