Red Lacquer Cabinet From Gansu Province - 19th Century

This exquisite antique lacquered Chinese cabinet is from Gansu province on the border with Mongolia. It is an excellent example of Gansu workmanship with a deep red lacquer and fluid painting and gilt work. 

 

The painting features objects of wisdom; vases, flowers, censers, ornate stone incense burners. The central panel features an animated peacock and parrot on either side of the lock plate. All original with gilt feathers. The brass hardware is all original, bar the pulls which have been replaced during its lifetime. Some areas visible in the photos show wear to the gilt work and painting. 

 

Along the base runs bushes filled with quail and pomegranates symbolising fertility and a blessed future. The frame is made of cedar and poplar wood.

 

Many of these cabinets are often referred to as wardrobes and whilst multifunctional were often used for clothes storage, but given the grandiose nature and expert craftsmanship of this piece, it suggests this would have been given as a wedding cabinet or made for a wealthy scholar. The style and form indicate this to be from North Eastern part of Gansu bordering Ningxia & Mongolia.

 

Two outward opening doors reveal a large interior space separated by a single shelf. 

 

From China

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