This antique red elm Chinese taper cabinet dates to the early 19th century, Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911). The style is often known as a round-corner cabinet and was first seen in the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644). They were originally used as book cabinets by scholars and later, the style became more commonly used for the storage of clothes.
The style is from Shandong province and has features found in both Shanxi & Jiangsu furniture styles. It is constructed from southern elm (jumu), also known as zelkova or red elm which has distinctly more intricate wood grain in comparison to northern Chinese elm (yumu). The simple yet sophisticated design would function as an excellent drinks cabinet or storage cabinet and act as a counterbalance in any contemporary home.
It has the original brass and the internal dark green lacquer has been applied onto gesso and cloth in the traditional way and the frames are taped. This high quality of workmanship began to disappear in China from the 19th century onwards indicating a good age. It has had a brass clothes rail added in lieu of the original internal drawers. Unfortunately, the internal drawers are long since lost and we have added a simple shelf.
Similar examples can be found in many books on Antique Chinese furniture including 'Chinese Furniture: A Guide To Collecting Antiques' by Mazurkewich (Figure 333).
From China
Dimensions:
106 x 51 x 195 (wxdxh cms)
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