Hi Kristen,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This trunk charmingly and successfully combines a Western form with Orientalist decorative elements. It was undoubtedly made in China for a Western audience in the 19th Century and appears to be in good condition with some wear and loss commensurate to age and use.

The present market for Chinese export furniture has been a little patchy lately but at auction, I would fully expect this to sell between $400 and $800.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Chinese export paint decorated trunk
made for the Western market, mid/late 19th Century
Of rectangular section, the hinged lid fitted with a large circular brass latch and opening to a papered interior, the front decorated with a scene of figures in a landscape surrounded by foliate framing, the sides with brass carrying handles and decorated with floral motifs, on a box base with relief-carved seaweed or wave decoration.
30-1/4 inches high by 41-1/2 inches wide by 28 inches deep
CONDITION: This trunk is in good condition with wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$ 400-800*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia