Hello, this item is a black lacquer book box made in China during the mid twentieth century. The oval reverse glass painting on the lid shows court ladies in a garden pavilion, a subject commonly reproduced in decorative export pieces from the 1950s to the 1970s. The black lacquer surface, the construction of the box and the painted interior confirm a workshop produced decorative object rather than an earlier Qing lacquer. The wear, scratches and chipped edges in the images match age and use consistent with this period.

The fair market value for mid twentieth century Chinese lacquer book boxes with reverse glass paintings usually falls between 20 and 60 USD depending on condition. This example is in visibly worn condition which places it around 20 to 30 USD in secondary markets. The value is mainly decorative and does not correspond to antique lacquer categories.