Rare and stunning pair of mid to late 19th century Qing Dynasty hand-painted and lacquered spice barrels

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Today we have a rare and stunning pair of mid to late 19th century Qing Dynasty spice barrels. Beautifully handpainted and lacquered, there are two panels on each barrel depicting auspicious motifs such as bats, lotus flowers and butterflies. Overall, these classical scenes, including a carved crane motif to each barrel’s lid, combine to indicate auspiciousness, prosperity and longevity.
Meticulous details including a cloud key (leiwen) border to the lid as well as decorative lion headed handles make these some of the best antique Chinese furniture pieces we have seen, much less as a rare matching set. Such barrels would have been for particularly valuable spices, and in the 19th century would have been prestige objects, as can be seen with the intricate lacquerwork and gilt details throughout.
These would be perfect as small side tables with storage options, or as decorative pieces of art.

Price marked at $2000 AUD for the pair.
Measurements: Each barrel measures 40 cm high, 32cm diameter at widest point.
Excellent antique condition, with wear overall commensurate with age. Wear to paint and gilt as pictured.