82.6 cm (length) × 50.0 (width) × 15.6 cm (height)
“Curio box” was a term used by the Qing court to describe storage cases for an assortment of small antiques and Western curiosities. Curio boxes were ingeniously designed to house a vast array of precious objects within a limited space. For Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1735–1796), an avid traveler, traditional treasure boxes no longer satisfied his practical needs, leading to the creation of table-shaped curio boxes.
This particular example resembles a wooden chest or a compact cabinet, featuring a lockable large drawer with a pull ring. Upon opening the drawer, numerous compartments of varying sizes become visible, with some arranged in double layers. These compartments store an array of exquisite items including jade, bronze, and ceramic objects. Among them are scholarly items, such as calligraphy brushes, ink sticks, inkstones, paperweights, and water containers, as well as miniature paintings, vases, and incense burners. The ingenious aspect of this curio box lies in the four wooden table legs stored in the lower compartments. These legs can be assembled with the drawer to form a low table. When the emperor traveled, he could simply empty the drawer, assemble the table, and instantly have a functional writing desk while still enjoying his cherished artifacts. This design perfectly embodies the Qing dynasty’s pursuit of both functionality and aesthetic pleasure.