Designed to replicate sewing kits used by Chinese women in rural villages years ago, these boxes kept needles, patterns, embroidery, and often family photos. The top layer is the twist box which opens with a slight twist. The second layer (a square) fits under each twist box. The third layer is rectangular in shape, while the ‘big box’ lays at the bottom. Long ago these kits were usually made with plain paper and then drawn or painted on.
The artist papers are chosen to compliment each other but remain in a similar color. Then cotton fabric and ribbon or cord is used to enclose the paper folding.
The Zhen Xian Bao is a beautiful folded paper collectible. Wrapped up the box measures 3 1/2” x 6”.