A highly impressive Canton export gaming box. Decorated overall in gilt lacquer in different shades of gold, depicting exotic summer palaces within a large lake setting. The scenes shown in an intricately and unusual small scale, with exquisite detail.
The shaped border has an abundance of exuberant deer, squirrels and Autumnal gourds and fruit on a trellis vine background. The interior lid with further exotic scenes. Fitted with boxes and card trays, counters, and packs of cards. Supported on four lion paw feet decorated with bat-like motifs.
Canton, early 19th Century