Chinese antique carved wood and cloth sleeve what is it??

[Hugosmom]

This is an oval carved wood box with a cotton sleeve. The seller marked it 19th century. I did not pay $380 BTW, or anywhere near that 😀. What is it?

 

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[tamrock]

I wonder if the seller knows what it is, outside of they think it's worth 380 bucks. Maybe vintage Chinese washable toilet paper

 

[bradyboy]

I would think if a dealer asking for that kind of money they would provide a description of the item?
IMO
Brady

 

[HuntinDog]

What does the inside of the box look like??
And how does the sleeve attach?
these may be some clues to what it was for..

 

[Reanm8er]

Perhaps some kind of an insect trap?

 

[Hugosmom]

I would think if a dealer asking for that kind of money they would provide a description of the item?
IMO
Brady

I got it at a charity shop that gets estate sale leftovers. The sticker is from the sale.

 

[Hugosmom]

The inside is just carved out wood, same shape as container. The fabric is stitched into the rim.

 

[Hugosmom]

PS - I paid less than $20. I live a good mystery item!

 

[Auriemma]

Interesting... It could be you're missing the other half. Like the cap and liner to a lower box which is missing.

 

[Icewing]

Perhaps the sleeve is just a liner that's supposed to be tucked inside the box....
Is the end furthest from the box sewn shut or left open?

 

[pat-tekker-cat]

Portable cricket box?

 

[Hugosmom]

Perhaps the sleeve is just a liner that's supposed to be tucked inside the box....
Is the end furthest from the box sewn shut or left open?

The end is open. I feel like there should be a top but there's no way to attach one and no evidence of one - no wear on the fabric on the lip.

 

[Hugosmom]

The sleeve was tucked in when I bought it.

 

[Toecutter]

Is that a plug on the bottom of the box?

 

[Ditlihi]

A very neat wooden box, but what makes you believe it's Chinese, is that what the seller stated? The Greek Key or 'T' design border at the bottom edge would appear more Italian in origin. And Chinese carvings are always more intricate. In addition, to me the "sleeve" appears to be machine sewn. I am guessing it may have had a lid similar to the one pictured here. No idea what the sleeve is about, unless it is an anti-tarnish fabric and was used to wrap jewelry or an ornament kept inside. I'm also guessing the 380 was an item number for the estate sale and not a price tag, I can't see the seller letting go of a $380 item for less than 20 bucks.

 

[randazzo1]

I’m thinking you put ur hand in there and pull out a marble or paper chance. Like in the movies when they vote white or black marbles. Or like when you draw lots. Some sort of voting/chance/gambling thing.

 

[Hugosmom]

I bought it at a charity shop that gets donations from the leftovers of estate sales. Items often. Still have the estate sale sticker. They price to sell.
Anyhow, here's a pic of the side that looks much more Chinese. It arrived in a box of Chinese antiques too. Sewing machines were invented in the mid 1800s so being machine sewn doesn't mean not old anymore.

 

[Hugosmom]

I was thinking game related as well. Hmmmmm.

 

[Hugosmom]

Is that a plug on the bottom of the box?

No plug. The carving is just decorative, I guess.

 

[Ditlihi]

I bought it at a charity shop that gets donations from the leftovers of estate sales. Items often. Still have the estate sale sticker. They price to sell.
Anyhow, here's a pic of the side that looks much more Chinese. It arrived in a box of Chinese antiques too. Sewing machines were invented in the mid 1800s so being machine sewn doesn't mean not old anymore.
View attachment 1727598

As long as you're happy with it that's all that matters.