Mid Size Red and Gold Shanxi Cabinet

Shanxi, circa 1800

This beautiful cabinet originates from Shanxi province and dates to around 1800. Shanxi was one of northern China’s richest cultural centres during the Qing dynasty, and its furniture is renowned for strong forms, bold lacquer finishes and elegant painted decoration. With its vibrant red colour, softly faded gilt landscapes and time-worn patina, this cabinet is a classic example of the region’s early 19th-century craftsmanship.

Constructed in elm, the cabinet is coated in a striking cinnabar-red lacquer that has aged gracefully over two centuries. Much of the original gilt decoration is still visible across the front panels, depicting mountain scenes, pavilions, winding paths and clusters of trees inspired by traditional 'shan shui' landscape painting. These scenes were intended to evoke harmony, retreat and the cultivated life of the scholar.

The cabinet's lower apron is painted with delicate pomegranate branches, symbolisng abundance and, in Chinese culture, fertility and a wish for numerous children. The cabinet may well therefore have been comissioned as part of a bride's dowry or as a wedding gift. Though the 'miao jin' gilding has largely worn in places, the paintings retain enough detail to convey their original richness. Subtle geometric borders painted in gold frame the cabinet edges, adding a quiet refinement to the overall design.

The doors are fitted with their original round brass lock plate, the circular form symbolising unity and protection. The dark lacquered interior provides a strong contrast to the red exterior and includes a single removable shelf, making the cabinet ideal as a drinks cabinet or for storing linens, tableware, or personal items.

Around 1800, Shanxi furniture was distinguished by its robust construction and decorative sophistication. Workshops in the region made extensive use of elm wood, valued for its durability, and applied thick layers of lacquer, somtimes over a fabric base, that were polished and repolished over generations. Painted decoration in red and gold was especially popular for cabinets placed in the main reception room of the home, where they provided both storage and a symbolic presence.

With its bold colour, elegant decoration and compact yet substantial form, this cabinet would make a characterful addition to any contemporary interior. It would work beautifully in a hallway, bedroom or living room, where its rich patina and historic charm can be appreciated. Both beautiful and practical, this is a fine example of Shanxi furniture —beautifully preserved, full of character and as useful today as it was over 200 years ago.