Shanxi, circa 1850Shanxi province is famous for its painted furniture and many of the antiques that were exported to the west in the 80s and 90s came from this area. However, good quality pieces, with the original hardware, lacquer and paintings still intact like this one, are becoming increasingly difficult to source so it was very pleasing to find this one recently. The thick black lacquer is worn and cracked around the door frames, but provides a wonderful backdrop for the browns, oranges and creams of the now muted paintings. Vase of flowers and books adorn the doors, while the lower panel is decorated with butterflies - symbols of beauty and happiness in a marriage. Most likely given at the start of its life as part of a wedding settlement along with its contents, this piece now would grace any room. It has two removable shelves inside, as well as a 'secret' compartment behind the lower panel, accessed by removing a third shelf at the bottom of the main section.
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