奁 (lián) - Dowry box & dressing case

奁Tone 2

lián ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 大

俊梁

奁 · lián

Dowry box;

dressing case;

cosmetic case;

traditionally refers to a woman's trousseau or bridal paraphernalia.

Dowry boxdressing casecosmetic case

Usage highlights

Cosmetic caseDressing caseDowry boxBridal trousseauDowry propertyDowry gifts

Synonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The bride's dowry included an ornate cosmetic case (妆奁).
  • She opened her dressing case (镜奁) to apply makeup.
  • Ancient dowry boxes (嫁奁) were often beautifully decorated.

Collocations

  • Cosmetic case(妆奁)
  • Dressing case(镜奁)
  • Dowry box(嫁奁)
  • Bridal trousseau(奁资)
  • Dowry property(奁田)
  • Dowry gifts(奁赠)

Idioms

  • A dowry worth a thousand pieces of gold(千金之奁)
  • Preparing the bridal trousseau(置办妆奁)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese weddings, the bride's family would prepare a dowry (嫁妆) which often included a cosmetic case (妆奁) containing jewelry, cosmetics, and personal items.
  • The character reflects traditional gender roles where women's possessions were associated with marriage and domestic life.
  • Ornate dowry boxes were status symbols showing the wealth and social standing of the bride's family.

FAQ