Antique Vietnamese mother-of-pearl inlay dowry box

A round lidded jewelry box with removable tray and compartments used to keep a Vietnamese bride’s jewels and other dowry valuables. The box is made of rosewood adorned with finely crafted iridescent mother-of-pearl inlay of flowers and a central motif. Crafted in the latter half of the 19th to early 20th century, this piece is a stunning example of Vietnamese mother-of-pearl inlay artistry at its peak.

Unlike modern lacquerware, these panels were crafted with painstaking precision, hand-inlaid with mother-of-pearl pieces carefully selected for their color and luster. Vietnamese artisans from this era were renowned for producing some of the most colorful and finely detailed inlays found anywhere, and this set exemplifies that tradition .

The central Chinese symbol is a decorative design know as “壽字紋” (shòu zì wén), which means “longevity character pattern.” Many such patterns were used in traditional Chinese and Vietnamese decorative art, especially on items symbolizing blessings, health, and prosperity. The central design includes a long staff probably reflecting wisdom, a quiver containing writing instruments symbolic of scholarship, and a cornucopia or horn of plenty like shape. This set of auspicious symbols is uncommon for dowry boxes and may indicate higher purpose.

The box measures 27.5 x 11.0 cm and weighs 1.66 kg. And makes a striking visual impact in any setting. Indoors the iridescent colors change with the lighting and viewers position. Diffuse window of skylight warms up the entire pattern.