Large Painted Red Lacquer Sideboard

Mongolia, circa 1900

This impressive painted sideboard originates from Mongolia and dates to the early 20th century. Characteristic of the region’s brightly decorated furniture, it features richly coloured drawers and door panels set within a deep red frame, creating a vibrant and lively appearance that would once have brought warmth and brightness to a traditional nomadic home. The palette of colours - strong reds, yellows, greens and blues, was a feature of Mongolian furniture, though now muted and softened over time.

Across the top row, six drawers are each decorated with bold sprays of peonies and other auspicious flowers. The peony, often referred to as the 'king of flowers', is a traditional symbol of nobility, wealth and honour, while the accompanying blooms convey wishes for harmony, abundance and long life.

Below, the cabinet doors are adorned with more detailed still-life scenes showing vases, scholar’s objects and floral arrangements. These motifs draw from classical Chinese painting traditions that spread throughout Mongolia, where they were reinterpreted in a folk-art style using vivid mineral pigments. Vases filled with flowers symbolise peace and domestic harmony, while the inclusion of scholar’s items—inkstones, scrolls or stands—reflects aspirations toward refinement and learning.

Though softened by age, the original painted decoration retains a lovely depth of colour. The natural wear across the lacquer surface, especially on the lower panels, gives the sideboard the gently weathered character that is so distinctive of genuine Mongolian furniture of this period.

Pieces like this were produced in small workshops across Inner Mongolia and northern China during the late Qing and early Republican era. Local pine was normally used, while the painted panels were added in a warm palette of reds, ochres and greens designed to stand out in the muted tones of the steppe environment. Functionally, this type of sideboard would have been used for storing clothing, household items or religious objects within the family home or temple.

With its long proportions, multiple drawers and spacious internal shelves, the sideboard offers excellent practical storage. At the same time, its hand-painted decoration and rich colours make it a strong decorative statement. It would work beautifully in a dining room, hallway or living space, where its unique blend of Mongolian folk artistry and classical symbolism can be fully appreciated.

NB. Select 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.