The object is a stacked box with handle and also the representation of the best of bamboo weaving and wood carving. The wood carving is exquisitely done. The decorative panel on one side is a depiction of a scene in a Buddhist sutra where Guanyin, dressed in a white hooded robe is seated on a lotus throne under bamboo trees. She held a bottle vase pouring water into a lake. In the foreground is a Sudhana. a youth with two topknots and flying scarves. The scene is an illustration of a scene from Gandavyuha, The Pilgrimage of Sudhana, where the youth visited 53 "wise friends" and learned from each of them the merits of gaining enlightment. This particularly scene is when Sudhana visited Guanyin on his way to gain knowledge. While this is a theme related to Buddhism, the scene on the opposite side may have a reference to Daoism though the reference is unknown. Auspicious symbols like bats and phoenixes are beautifully carved on the ornate handle.
The Stacked box with four trays was made sometime in the early part of the 20 century, late Qing Dynasty to early Chinese Republic. The intricately woven bamboo mating remains in good condition, the carving also. The dimensions are 12 inches wide, 7 inches deep and 14 inches high.