Stunning C. 1800 Very Fine Chinese Export (Canton) Lacquered Tea Caddy animal design One of my very favorite

One of my very favorite recent finds

including standing up straight on his own

definitely complete

and a very charming little creature I think

He's got a little damage

Stunning C. 1800 Very Fine Chinese Export (Canton) Lacquered Tea Caddy animal design One of my very favoriteIts not too often that I buy a piece of Asian lacquerware, but this early 19th c. hand painted Chinese export tea caddy struck me as so fine and so lovely that I could not resist. And, since finding it, I found a very very similar one listed sold on 1st Dibs for $6000, albeit containing its original pewter canisters inside. The exterior is decorated overall in black lacquer with fantastic finely hand painted gilt floriate pattern all over plus tiny