Silk Embroidered Box Appraisal

Vintage Chinese Silk Brocade Trinket Box

This is a rectangular jewelry or trinket box constructed of a stiff inner frame, likely wood or reinforced cardboard, tightly wrapped in a navy blue silk or rayon brocade fabric. The decorative textile features a traditional Chinese 'Shou' or nature-inspired motif, including plum blossoms and possibly pagodas rendered in metallic gold and contrasting red threads. The box uses a hinged lid design that is secured with a traditional loop and bone or faux-bone toggle closure on the front. Physically, the box appears to be approximately 6 to 8 inches in width. The blue fabric has a lustrous sheen, typical of 20th-century decorative export wares. Regarding condition, there is visible fraying and wear along the edges and corners of the lid, where the fabric substrate has begun to break down from handling. The toggle closure shows minor discoloration consistent with age. This style of box was popularly produced in China during the mid-to-late 20th century (circa 1960s-1980s) for the export market. The craftsmanship is functional and mass-produced yet displays the intricate weaving techniques associated with Asian textiles. The vibrant contrast between the gold metallic threads and the deep indigo base is a hallmark of this genre of decorative arts.