Painted Chinese Opera Chest from Shanxi - 19thC Chapati Box Urlis ( ഉരുളി ) are

Urlis ( ഉരുളി ) are cooking vessels used as cauldrons for food preparation in Kerala

Boxes are normally made from cedar

It has glass mirror work panels and is decorated with birds and Flowers and is gilded

94 x 10 x 153 (wxdxh cms)

18 x 18 x 36 (wxdxh cms)

Painted Chinese Opera Chest from Shanxi - 19thC Chapati Box Urlis ( ഉരുളി ) areThis vintage painted Chinese trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century. Opera chests, including this one, are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be crafted into furniture and given as part of a bride's dowry