Red Lacquer Shanxi Cabinet with Gold Decoration

Shanxi, circa 1820

This elegant cabinet originates from Shanxi province and dates to the early nineteenth century. Like many fine pieces from the region, it showcases Shanxi’s celebrated tradition of bold lacquerwork and refined painted decoration. Its vibrant red finish, softened gilt motifs and beautifully aged patina make it a wonderfully characterful example of Qing-dynasty craftsmanship.

Constructed in elm, the cabinet is finished in a rich red lacquer - an auspicious colour associated with good fortune and celebration in Chinese culture. Over time the lacquer has mellowed, revealing patches of underlying texture and giving the surface great depth and character.

The front is decorated with an array of delicate gilt roundels, each enclosing small vignettes of flowers, birds, animals and figures and landscapes, drawn in the fine “miao jin” (描金) gilding technique typical of Shanxi. These motifs were chosen for their symbolic meaning, with flowering branches represent harmony and natural beauty. The crane and deer depicted either side of the lock plate both represent longevity and wisdom, while a children at play represent a wish for happiness and a continuation of the family line.

These roundels are all set within a continuing geometric pattern that is repeated on the cabinet's side and upper frames, incorporating swastikas - an ancient symbol in China for protection and good fortune. Although much of the gilding has worn away with age, enough remains to retain the charm and rhythm of the original decoration.

Along the lower apron, a finely painted spray of pomegranates winds across the panel. The pomegranate, bursting with seeds, is an enduring symbol of abundance and fertility, and pieces bearing this motif were often included in dowries or presented as wedding gifts.

The cabinet retains its original shaped brass lock plate, worn to a dark tone that sits beautifully against the red lacquer. Inside, the cabinet opens to reveal a dark lacquered interior with two small drawers set into the upper compartment—ideal for storing documents, keepsakes or small items. The wide main chamber below offers practical storage for linens, tableware or household belongings.

Around 1800, Shanxi was home to prosperous merchant families whose furnishings combined utility with cultural refinement. Red lacquer cabinets decorated in gold were common in family reception rooms, where they served both practical and symbolic purposes—bringing brightness to interiors and expressing wishes for prosperity and good fortune.

The cabinet's slightly smaller size compared to most similar pieces makes it a versatile fit for contemporary spaces. Its bright red lacquer and delicate gilding offer a striking focal point, while the practical interior makes it well suited as a drinks cabinet, hall cupboard or storage piece in a living room or bedroom. Rich in history and full of character, it remains as functional and decorative today as it was more than two centuries ago—a fine example of Shanxi’s enduring craftsmanship.