Chinese Box Covered with Silver Metal, Mid XX Century. Hand Decorated with Reliefs

Elegant Chinese wooden box completely covered by silvery metal. This piece was made by the middle of the 20th century and the detailed decoration that embellished its surface turns it into a lovely decorative article. The metal that covers the box is fully carved and modeled with a series of traditional scenes performed in detail. These scenes are embossed and also carved in some places, though not very deeply. The boxs base is also decorated with a carved simulating crocodile skin. The article stands on four small angled legs and beside one of them we can see an inscription with the word PATENT.The main scene of the box is on the lid. It depicts a majestic ox-drawn chariot that carries an important person. This dignitary is accompanied by a court composed of two men who carry a parasol and a fan respectively. By their side there is a small figure, maybe a child. By the dignitary we can see a woman dressed in traditional clothes, and taking up the rear there is an old man who is carrying a butterfly-shaped standard. The ox which draws the chariot is carrying a small pedestal on its back; standing on it there is a big bird with its wings open. The scene takes place in a rural landscape, with willow branches falling over the characters and rocks and mountains in the background. The scene is performed in great detail, from the garments folds to the blades of grass on the ground.The boxs sides are also fully decorated with embossed and carved scenes, similar to the one on the lid and also in a traditional style. They show a lot of small figures evolving in typical oriental landscapes, full of temples, rocks, bridges and trees. The lid is surrounded by a fringe made up of carved wavy volutes; the frame comes out of the lid making a cantilever. Inside the lid is covered of metal with no decoration at all, while the box shows the clear wood. Both the metal and the wood are in excellent condition, with no flaws or worn parts.This box is a very special piece, both because of its decoration and its great condition. It is the perfect article to decorate a smart coffee table, an elegant dressing table or a showcase with the most beautiful objects.Measurements: Width: 160 mm. Height: 115 mm (lid open).