Stunning C. 1800 Very Fine Chinese Export (Canton) Lacquered Tea Caddy animal design flanked by a whole cast

flanked by a whole cast of characters and the words "Manchester Unity" at the very bottom

including standing up straight on his own

3/4" thick

One of my very favorite recent finds

Stunning C. 1800 Very Fine Chinese Export (Canton) Lacquered Tea Caddy animal design flanked by a whole castIts not too often that I buy a piece of Asian lacquerware, but this early 19th c. hand painted Chinese export tea caddy struck me as so fine and so lovely that I could not resist. And, since finding it, I found a very very similar one listed sold on 1st Dibs for $6000, albeit containing its original pewter canisters inside. The exterior is decorated overall in black lacquer with fantastic finely hand painted gilt floriate pattern all over plus tiny