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Shanxi, circa 1830

This striking cabinet originates from Shanxi province and dates to around 1830. Made in the classic regional style, it is crafted from elm wood and finished in a deep, rich black lacquer that has worn gently over nearly two centuries of use. The resulting patina—marked by areas of soft crackle, rubbing, and age-worn texture—gives the piece its unmistakable character and warmth.

The front is beautifully decorated with painted floral and foliate motifs in shades of red, ochre and gold, arranged in delicate sprays across the doors and lower apron. These auspicious floral designs symbolise prosperity, beauty and renewal in traditional Chinese culture. Two songbirds perched on branches represent happiness, while the crane shown to the bottom of the left hand door signifies longevity. The cabinet’s outer uprights are further embellished with hand-carved and painted spandrels, which largely retain their original red and gold colours.

Two sets of double doors open to each reveal a spacious interior fitted with a central fixed shelf with a shallow drawer — practical storage features typical of Shanxi cabinetry from the early Qing period. The old hardware has a wonderfully time-worn finish, including round central lock plates and shaped hinges that speak to the cabinet’s age and authenticity.

Today, this exceptional piece would work beautifully as a sideboard in a dining room, as a statement storage cabinet in a hallway, or as a boldly decorative element in a living space. Its deep lacquer tones and painted details make it a perfect addition to both traditional and contemporary interiors, offering not only functional storage but also a captivating piece of Chinese folk art.

Last updated: 11/12/25

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living room