Altar Cabinet with Carved Spandrels

product code: ACW-BH-2451015

£2,995.00

D49 x H81 x W216 x cm

Beijing, circa 1880

This large, elegant sideboard originates from Beijing and dates to the late nineteenth century. Crafted from richly toned elm wood, it displays the refined proportions and decorative confidence associated with furniture made for wealthy households during the late Qing dynasty.

The cabinet is distinguished by its warm toned, deep brown surface, developed through decades of use. The patina is soft and lustrous, highlighting the natural grain of the wood and subtle wear along edges and corners. Across the front are three upper drawers fitted with original circular metal pulls, set above a pair of central paneled cupboard doors secured with traditional circular brass hardware. The metal fittings are well aged, their darkened surfaces complementing the richness of the wood.

One of the most striking features is the openwork carving on the spandrels to either side of the cabinet. These delicately pierced panels depict scrolling foliage, adding lightness and decorative interest while showcasing the skill of the original craftsmen. The cabinet' gently overhanging top, ending in everted flanges, completes the balanced and harmonious form.

Inside, the cabinet offers ample practical storage, with the full space inside accessible via the doors. The centre post between the doors is removable, allowing easier access. Originally, a piece of this type would have been used in a well-appointed Beijing home for storing textiles, tableware, or personal belongings. It would also have doubled as the family altar table, placed below photos or paintings of ancestors and used for offerings.

Today, the cabinet would work equally well as a sideboard in a dining room, an elegant media or storage unit in a living space, or a statement piece in a hallway or bedroom. Its combination of restrained decoration, useful storage, and authentic age makes it both a functional item of furniture and a characterful focal point for a contemporary home.

NB. Interior scenes were created using AI-generated renderings to illustrate how this antique cabinet may appear in a styled setting. Images on a white background show the actual cabinet.

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Call on: 0800 088 6800 or: 01274 610961

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ACW-BH-2451015

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