Three tier vintage Chinese lacquered Rice Steamer

I have been told that this three tired Chinese lacquered Bamboo/Ratan Rice Steamer probably dates from the early 1900s to mid 1920s.

It's certainly rarity and displays all the construction features and trimmings associated with the era including the iron 'love birds' at the top of the covering lid and the weathered iron pins and fasteners around its sides.

The two vertical sliding bamboo locking elements on either side of the steamer baskets look almost identical to those used in similar era Chinese 'Wedding' or 'Dowery' baskets which were traditionally filled with various celebratory foods and gifts and symbols of prosperity for the married couple.

While these  'Wedding' baskets were often more elaborate and stylised with additional bronze fittings, this large 'Rice & food Steamer' example is definitely related and might be a more rural application of that style or may have even also been intended for the same purpose of bringing food treats to honoured guests from the kitchen.

Much of this Steamer's  lacquered finish has faded through age which tends to give a good indication of its age.

At 95cm tall (from base to top of bamboo carrying handle) and 45cm in diameter, this would be a fantastic original vintage Chinese artefact to display on a bench in the kitchen, lounge or hallway entrance.     

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