Gansu, circa 1890

Produced to store grain, this colourful sideboard is a lovely example of the painted furniture traditional particularly to the eastern part of China's Gansu province. Its vibrant red doors, with paintings picked out against a cream background, stand out against the black outer frames in what are traditional colours of the region. Constructed from sturdy pine or poplar wood, the cabinet dates back to the late nineteenth century and has been repurposed into a versatile dining sideboard or storage unit. Originally, the front panels were fixed and the unit was accessed through removable wooden boards on top. These have since been sealed and the front panels transformed into doors to create a more practical storage cabinet. Removable shelves have also been added inside for convenience.

The painted sections on the doors depict vases of flowers and other curios against a cream background. This traditional design was often used to showcase the owner's wealth and status. The lower panels are intricately carved and finished in blue, adding an elegant touch to the overall design. The sideboard's original finish is still largely intact, though worn in parts particularly around the feet as evidence of it's age and years of use.

Last updated: 14/01/25

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