Antique Chinese Export Famille Rose Porcelain Salt Box Cellar Boy on Qilin

Antique Chinese export Famille Rose porcelain covered box, used as an individual salt cellar or small trinket box. Lid shows the traditional Chinese mythological motif of a boy riding a Qilin (dragon-horse), which symbolizes blessings and future success. Lid has a traditional brown "cafe-au-lait" iron-wash glaze along the rims. The sides of the square base are decorated with delicate pastel floral and fruit enamels.

The outlines of the design are stamped in brown. The colors and details are hand applied.

Dating to the Republic Period (early to mid-20th century), this tiny salt box cellar has a fully glazed underside and hand-applied enamel accent painting on the lid that you can feel if you rub your finger over it. No maker's marks, which is common for utilitarian export tableware made for Western households during this era.

Although originally meant to be a salt cellar, it's also great for storing tiny special jewelry, hiding secret notes or keeping your daily pills.

SIZE 1 1/8" x 1 1/8" x 7/8"

CONDITION Very good condition 

Please review the photos carefully to check the condition, including the inside rims and base. We want you to love your little box.