lady's dressing case, bridal trousseau

奩 is composed of 大 (big) and 區 (region). 大 indicates importance, while 區 conveys the idea of a place that contains many different things. Cosmetic and toiletry items were very important to women in ancient times and came in a great variety. Therefore, 奩 is used to mean a box for holding women’s cosmetic and toiletry items, and also means a dowry.