2,000-year-old painted double-layered lacquer dressing case

Ladies, what does your makeup kit look like? Check out this double-layered dressing case belonging to Xin Zhui – a well-known noblewoman from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), unearthed from the Mawangdui Tomb No 1.

The artifact is coated with black-brown lacquer, adorned with gold foil and painted with red-and-white cloud motifs. Inside, the upper-layer holds gloves and silk items. The lower layer houses nine smaller compartments, carefully designed for cosmetics like rouge, hairpieces, silk puffs and combs. Both practical and stunning, this ancient "custom-made luxury" highlights the craftsmanship and artistry of its time. Collection: Hunan Museum.