Antique Chinese Opera Trunk 1900 Late Qing Dynasty. Trunks like this were historically used by itinerant Chinese opera troupes to store and transport heavy costumes, masks, makeup, and stage props. The central panel depicts hand-painted lotus flowers, which in Chinese culture traditionally symbolize purity, spiritual awakening, and noble personality. Built typically out of solid pine wood or elmwood, these chests feature a stark black lacquered finish, a circular iron faceplate latch mechanism, and heavy iron drop handles on the sides for travel.