PORCELAIN "DONGXI"

For newcomers, "dongxi" means simply "thing" and I cannot be more specific about this item because I keep getting conflicting reports on its use. In any event , a lovely item like this adds grace to any table and you can always make up a story for your visitors.

My Story: I was first told that it was for keeping those lovely little crickets, about the size of your little fingernail, known as Golden Bell Singers (jinlingzi). Thus small holes are always found in the lid, to allow the crickets to breathe. (warning: the holes in this particular lid are so large that my crickets all escaped!)



Then I was told by a source I trust (i.e., not a dealer): no, no, the containers are for the pomade used to slick back the ladies' hair. This version makes more sense to me. The two little round, embroidered pads lying next to the container are supposedly used for applying this pomade but they look like powder puffs to me. (That's the problem with any old item in China: trying to get at the real use of the thing.)

A really beautifully painted (both top and sides) container can run as high as 400 yuan, but I personally would not pay more than 200 yuan for one like this. But then I am frugal -- or as the dealers say, "Cheap!". Ten years ago I paid 50 yuan for this one, but those days may be gone forever.