{"product_id":"painted-willow-hat-box-from-shanxi","title":"Painted Willow Hat Box From Shanxi - 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautifully timeworn painted willow hat box dates to the 19th century and originates from Shanxi province in northern China. Traditionally used for the storage of official hats worn by Chinese scholars and officials, these cylindrical containers were also employed to house ceremonial headwear reserved for important occasions and formal events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstructed from woven willow wood and reinforced with darkened wooden bands, the box is both lightweight and remarkably durable. The exterior displays hand-painted Chinese characters, once used as practical identifiers to denote ownership or contents, and now adding a striking graphic quality to the surface. Iron rings and fastenings further enhance its utilitarian character, while the rich patina speaks to decades of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis form of hat box was widely used across China and Japan and designed to be stacked, allowing multiple containers to be stored neatly in official residences or travelling chests. The removable lid fits snugly, protecting the contents while maintaining the clean, architectural silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, pieces such as this have found new life as decorative storage vessels or distinctive side tables, bringing an understated sense of history and texture to both contemporary and traditional interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shanxi Province, China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19th Century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Willow wood with painted decoration and iron fittings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-painted Chinese characters, removable lid, traditional stacking form\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good antique condition with surface wear and patina consistent with age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W56 x D56 x H59 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"BinderKing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53551576088885,"sku":"C2447","price":327.63,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/5243\/2181\/files\/Antique_chinese-19th_Century_Painted_Willow_Hat_Box_From_Shanxi_With_Chinese_Characters_And_Removable_Lid_C2447C2447.jpg?v=1789233771","url":"https:\/\/binderking.shop\/products\/painted-willow-hat-box-from-shanxi","provider":"BinderKing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}