Red and Gold Wedding Cabinet with Birds

product code: ACW-BH-2451021

£3,995.00

D54 x H177 x W131 x cm

Shanxi, circa 1850

This beautiful antique cabinet dates from the mid 19th century and comes from Shanxi province in northern China. It is finished in a rich red lacquer that has worn attractively over time, showing a wonderful depth of colour and character. The doors are finely decorated with delicate paintings of birds perched flowering branches, motifs that are rich with traditional Chinese symbolism.

The two cranes shown to the bottom of the left hand door represent peace and longevity, while the blossoms are symbols of renewal, prosperity and feminine beauty. Together they convey auspicious wishes for a long and harmonious life. Below the doors, the cabinet's lower panel is decorated with pomegranates, a symbol for fertility - perhaps suggesting that the cabinet was produced for newlyweds. Once picked out in bright gold, the painting has worn to the darker base below, showing soft gold and brown tones that sit perfectly against the warm red lacquer background.

At the centre of the doors is a traditional brass lock plate with pin and loop fittings, typical of cabinetry from the late Qing period. The simple, square frame and straight legs reflect the clean, balanced lines of classic northern Chinese furniture, designed to be both elegant and practical.

Made from elm, the construction is quite typical of Shanxi furniture, with a thick overhanging top and frame and panels. The doors slot into the cabinet frames above and below on wooden dowels rather than being fitted on metal hinges, giving a larger canvas for the paintings. The cabinet has two removable shelves on the inside, as well as a removable board enclosing the lower section underneath the doors.

Originally used for storing clothes or personal belongings, this cabinet would make a lovely storage piece or decorative feature in a living room, dining area or hallway today. Its striking colour and graceful painted detail would bring warmth and a touch of oriental charm to any interior.

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Call on: 0800 088 6800 or: 01274 610961

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151-180cm

ACW-BH-2451021

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