Original price
GBP £ 1645
Converted price
Description
DeepL TranslateShanxi, circa 1800
This beautifully aged cabinet is made from elm and comes from Shanxi province in northern China, dating to around the beginning of the nineenth century. It is finished in a rich red lacquer typical of the region, now attractively worn through years of use to reveal a warm, glowing patina. The front is finely decorated with detailed painted landscapes, showing pavilions, mountains, trees and flowing clouds — motifs strongly associated with the cultured life of the Chinese scholar. These decorative elements would once have been finished entirely with gold leaf over the darker base, creating a bright, luxurious finish when combined with the deep red lacquer background.
Today only traces of the gold remain, with the remaining delicate black outlines depicting a serene mountainous setting, evoking the traditional ideal of escaping into nature for quiet reflection. Such landscapes symbolise harmony, balance and the pursuit of wisdom, and were commonly used on furniture from Shanxi, where vibrant red lacquer and bold painted decoration were hallmarks of local craftsmanship.
The outer borders and lower apron are filled with scrolling flowers and auspicious motifs. These include stylised lotus blossoms, symbols of purity and spiritual renewal, and peony-like blooms associated with prosperity and nobility. Together, these designs would have expressed wishes for peace, fortune and cultured refinement within the household.
At the upper centre of the doors is the original shaped brass lock plate, its mellow tone contrasting softly with the red lacquer. The cabinet’s form is characteristic of Shanxi furniture: a square, sturdy frame with recessed panels and doors fitted directly into the frames on wooden dowels, allowing the maximum canvas for the painted decoration. There is a single fixed shelf inside incorporating a shallow drawer.
Originally, this type of cabinet would have been used for storing clothing or personal items in a family home. Today, it would make a striking side cabinet or storage piece in a living room, hallway or bedroom. Its vibrant colour, timeworn artistry and decorative detail bring warmth and a sense of history to any interior — a wonderful example of the rich lacquer tradition of Shanxi province.
Last updated: 19/11/25
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