Boxes, Barrels and Baskets - discover some unique new additions to our antique collection

As regular visitors to our website will know, our range of Chinese antique furniture and decorative accessories is constantly changing as new items arrive. The latest additions to our range include everything from carved panels and wooden rice baskets, through to tea barrels, door lintels and wall mirrors. Thanks to the superb quality of craftsmanship and exceptional detail of Chinese antiques and wooden accessories, they make the perfect addition to contemporary ideas, offering a unique way to bring a touch of history and original design into your home. With this in mind, we thought we’d take a deep dive into the background of some of our new arrivals to give you an insight into how they were made and used in Chinese homes of the past.

Wooden rice baskets combine charm and practicality

Antique Chinese rice baskets are a tangible testament to the rich history and craftsmanship of Chinese culture. Each piece, carved by hand from wood, is steeped in tradition. They were typically created using regional wood varieties like elm, walnut or cypress, favoured for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Craftspeople would then assemble them using time-honoured techniques. Dovetail joints were commonly used, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship, and the individual pieces were fastened together without nails, using wooden dowels instead. This made the baskets robust and resilient, suitable for daily use in a bustling domestic setting.

The function of these rice baskets was as significant as their form. In Chinese society, rice was more than a mere dietary staple—it was a symbol of prosperity and nourishment. Rice was stored in these handcrafted containers, not just for practical reasons, but also as an embodiment of the cultural significance attributed to it. These baskets often came with a sturdy handle and a tight-fitting lid to keep the contents fresh, often carved from the same piece of wood for consistency in texture and hue.

Our current selection new arrivals includes a number of genuine antique Chinese rice baskets. Carefully restored to maintain their integrity, these baskets serve as functional decor pieces in modern homes, where they bring a touch of authenticity and elegance. Today, these charming pieces are perfect for a wide range of uses; from eye-catching decorative accessories, through to storage vessels.

Chinese antique tea barrels

You may well have heard of tea chests but what about tea barrels? In fact, antique Chinese wooden tea barrels hold a deep cultural significance. A part of the historic tea-drinking tradition, they were meticulously crafted to preserve the quality of the tea leaves, making them an integral feature in every Chinese home.

Creating these tea barrels was a task steeped in artistry and skill. Chinese carpenters would employ traditional woodworking techniques, choosing local, durable wood such as elm or pine. The wood was carefully selected for its grain and quality, and then painstakingly shaped into cylindrical or square barrels. An intricate joinery technique known as mortise-and-tenon was often employed, allowing the components to fit together seamlessly, creating a sturdy and secure structure, often without the use of any nails.

Tea, in Chinese culture, is much more than a beverage—it's a ritual, a way of life. The careful storage of tea leaves in these handcrafted barrels played a crucial role in this tradition. These barrels were usually designed with a tight lid to protect the tea from humidity and other external elements. Their aesthetic design served not only as a storage unit but also a statement piece, adding an element of beauty and sophistication to any space.

Today, these antique Chinese tea barrels are highly sought after as decorative pieces that bring an authentic Oriental charm to modern homes.

Antique document boxes – more than just storage units

The intricate artistry and functionality of antique Chinese document boxes have captivated collectors and interior designers worldwide. Borne out of a deep respect for the written word, these boxes served as an elegant solution to preserve important paperwork and manuscripts, standing as a testament to China's scholarly heritage.

Such document boxes were traditionally crafted by skilled artisans using regional woods like camphor, elm, or teak. These boxes often featured additional details, such as ornate carvings or brass hardware, that added an extra touch of beauty and sophistication.

The boxes were typically rectangular, with a hinged or removable lid providing easy access while maintaining the security of the contents. More than just storage units, they also embodied the great reverence that Chinese society held for literature and learning. Ensconced within the box, documents were shielded from damage, ensuring their longevity for future generations.

In the modern day, antique Chinese document boxes have found new purpose as stunning décor pieces in contemporary homes. Our current selection of antiques includes a variety of these boxes, each unique and rich in history. Whether used for their original purpose or repurposed to hold other valuable items, these boxes provide a distinctive touch to any space, subtly imparting the cultural richness and heritage of ancient China.