Featured To Zitan or not to Zitan, that is the question.

Good day all, I have this Chinese trinket box, 4.5 inch tall by 5 inch wide. We are trying to figure out age and exact composition. My wife believes strongly it is Zitan and I am not knowledgeable enough to debate her(not that that is ever a good idea ). It is absolutely wood and it will sink to the bottom if placed in water(as many woods can). To my eye it has know indication of stained or paint and via my digital microscope it shows hints of red(without it just appears black). No clear coat as well. If you look closely you will see tiny magnets embedded on the lid with the same correlation on the body that lightly keep it on(not strong though). Thinking that that might age it younger but I just don’t know what time period it would put it in. Nice rosewood top handle. Want to post it on eBay but want to be accurate. What say you

 

With that shine, it rather looks painted to me, but I have no idea whether zitan or not. With the magnets, I would think latter half of 20th c on up, but that's just a WAG.

 

Thanks you for that input. I have sold Zitan before and for a pretty penny too It does have a nice shine if cared for(see photo). The micro shot photo I believe shows clearly it is not painted(I have viewed painted and stained under the scope before). As noted in my OP, I agree about the magnets, I am thinking mid to late 20th(a stretch on the “mid”) or even very early 21st???. This one is a hard call for me. Don’t want to give a nice piece of Zitan to cheap but still don’t want to sell it as Zitan and find out later by a collector it is not and wants to return it.

Hoping someone has a better eye

 

As I said, I know nuttin' about zitan -- probably should've refrained from commenting, LOL. Anyway, I was in Michael's yesterday and saw a wooden craft box -- one of those thing you can decorate yourself -- lo and behold it closed with little round magnets. It would be great if we knew when magnet closures were first used.

 

PLEASE,don’t ever stop commenting. I always appreciate the way others see things. You’re the only one that did . Thank you always.