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Green Lacquered Chinese Buffet
Green Lacquered Chinese Buffet

Green Lacquered Chinese Buffet

Located in New Orleans, LA

Beautifully Lacquered Chinese Buffet

Category

20th Century Chinese Buffets

Materials

Wood

Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet.
Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet.

Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet.

Located in Hudson, NY

Chines red lacquer cabinet, with original design and finish.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Cabinets

Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard Cabinet
Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard Cabinet

Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard Cabinet

Located in Round Top, TX

The rich red color of this pine four-door cabinet absolutely glows with it's highly polished lacquered finish, enhancing the old layers of paint in lighter and darker shades of red u...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Red Lacquer Sideboard Console Table
Chinese Red Lacquer Sideboard Console Table

Chinese Red Lacquer Sideboard Console Table

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Long Chinese wooden buffet featuring a red lacquer finish.

Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

Chinese Export Gilt Lacquered Cabinet on Stand
Chinese Export Gilt Lacquered Cabinet on Stand

Chinese Export Gilt Lacquered Cabinet on Stand

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Extraordinary Chinese gilt lacquered cabinet on stand. Features a Jappaned case embellished with relief carved flora and fauna in gilt applied to three sides.

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard
Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard

Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century red lacquered sideboard with three drawers, and two bi-folding doors from Northern China.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sideboards

Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet, c. 1850
Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet, c. 1850

Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

Slightly shorter than most upright Chinese cabinets, this red lacquer cabinet charms with its modest scale and perfect proportions.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Burgundy Lacquer Side Cabinet, c. 1875
Chinese Burgundy Lacquer Side Cabinet, c. 1875

Chinese Burgundy Lacquer Side Cabinet, c. 1875

Located in Chicago, IL

This small Chinese storage cabinet from the late 19th century has a classic design that feels timeless and sophisticated.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Vintage Chinese Black Lacquered Altar Cabinet
Vintage Chinese Black Lacquered Altar Cabinet

Vintage Chinese Black Lacquered Altar Cabinet

Located in Forney, TX

A vintage Chinese black lacquered paneled altar cabinet, Qing Dynasty style, 20th century, solid wood case finished in black lacquer with red and gilt decoration and distressed finis...

Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Chinese Black Lacquered Chests from the 1940s
Chinese Black Lacquered Chests from the 1940s

Chinese Black Lacquered Chests from the 1940s

Located in Lejre, DK

Chinese black lacquered chests from the 1940s. The chests are of wood and with brass locks.

Category

Vintage 1940s Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Original Painted/Lacquered Chinese Sideboard
Large Antique Original Painted/Lacquered Chinese Sideboard

Large Antique Original Painted/Lacquered Chinese Sideboard

Located in Round Top, TX

Large Antique Original Painted/Lacquered Chinese Sideboard. It is the original colors of red and green doors and drawers contrasting against the black that create such strong visual ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint, Lacquer

Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard/Console
Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard/Console

Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard/Console

Located in Round Top, TX

This creates a depth and lends more character to the piece, while the many layers of hand-buffed lacquer finish complete the striking overall affect.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Paint, Lacquer

Pair of Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinets
Pair of Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinets

Pair of Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinets

Located in Chicago, IL

There are dozens of finishes that can imitate the look of crackled lacquer but nothing can compare to the real thing. After this stately cabinet was constructed, circa 1850, it was g...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Red Lacquer Coffer
Chinese Red Lacquer Coffer

Chinese Red Lacquer Coffer

Located in Chicago, IL

Chinese Red Coffer with 4 drawers, 2 cabinets from Shanxi province; original laquer and hardware.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sideboards

Monumental 19th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Cupboard
Monumental 19th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Cupboard

Monumental 19th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Cupboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Stunning Chinese cupboard of the largest proportions we have ever seen, circa 1880.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Chinese Black Lacquer Secretary
Chinese Black Lacquer Secretary

Chinese Black Lacquer Secretary

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful black lacquered secretary with gilt paint decorative paintings. Made in 2 parts. Has a highly decorated interior. Standing on Rococo shaped legs. Depth with desk open: 21...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Secretaires

Materials

Wood

19th century Chinese black lacquered desk
19th century Chinese black lacquered desk

19th century Chinese black lacquered desk

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century Chinese black lacquered desk circa 1880. Comprising of 3 parts, 2 pedestals and top surface. 

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Desks

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

Original Painted/lacquered Long Black Chinese Sideboard
Original Painted/lacquered Long Black Chinese Sideboard

Original Painted/lacquered Long Black Chinese Sideboard

Located in Round Top, TX

Antique Original Painted Long Black Chinese Sideboard. Over 100" long, this magnificent sideboard will provide stunning visual impact in a large dining room or great room.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint, Lacquer

Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet
Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet

Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet

Located in Chicago, IL

This handsome cabinet features folding double-hinged doors that open to a shelved interior. Constructed with some pieces of reclaimed wood (salvaged from incomplete or damaged antiqu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Furniture

Materials

Elm

Habersham Chinese Chippendale Black Lacquered China Curio Cabinet Cupboard 80"
Habersham Chinese Chippendale Black Lacquered China Curio Cabinet Cupboard 80"

Habersham Chinese Chippendale Black Lacquered China Curio Cabinet Cupboard 80"

By Habersham

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Habersham black lacquer illuminated china display cabinet. Chinese Chippendale / Chinoiserie styling with upper lattice doors decorated with floral motif, over lower cabinet...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Elmwood Cube Bookcase
Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Elmwood Cube Bookcase

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Elmwood Cube Bookcase

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Elmwood Cube Bookcase This bookcase has 12 cubes and 3 shelves.

Category

1990s Chinese Rustic Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet, c. 1850
Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet, c. 1850

Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

A slide of the dagger post and a pull on the teardrop handles reveals three shelves, two drawers, and one hidden compartment, once used to shelter the prized belongings of a scholar ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Red Lacquered Chest with Restoration
Chinese Red Lacquered Chest with Restoration

Chinese Red Lacquered Chest with Restoration

Located in Chicago, IL

This Chinese red lacquered chest is made from elmwood and lacquer.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Console Tables

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

19th Century Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet
19th Century Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet

19th Century Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet

Located in Chicago, IL

Handcrafted in China's Shanxi province almost two centuries ago, this tall elmwood cabinet was once used for storage in the sleeping quarters of a wealthy Qing-dynasty woman.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

Antique Chinese Gilt Lacquered Avian Coffer
Antique Chinese Gilt Lacquered Avian Coffer

Antique Chinese Gilt Lacquered Avian Coffer

Located in Chicago, IL

Set in striking contrast to the black lacquer background, the gilt gold decoration on this coffer elevates the piece to an exquisite work of art. Each of the four front panels is int...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Elm

Small Chinese Painted/Lacquered Cabinet; Shandong Province
Small Chinese Painted/Lacquered Cabinet; Shandong Province

Small Chinese Painted/Lacquered Cabinet; Shandong Province

Located in Round Top, TX

Small Chinese Painted Cabinet Shandong Province, China. The original rare color and painted floral motifs add to the beauty of this cabinet. The small size allows it to be used in a...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint, Lacquer

19th Century Chinese Carved and Lacquered Cabinet
19th Century Chinese Carved and Lacquered Cabinet

19th Century Chinese Carved and Lacquered Cabinet

Located in San Francisco, CA

Carved, lacquered and painted two door, one drawer Chinese cabinet.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Kitchen Island Sideboard
Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Kitchen Island Sideboard

Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Kitchen Island Sideboard

Located in Round Top, TX

The highly polished lacquered finish gives this cabinet a sleek look and brings out the depth of the red paint. This long sideboard with three drawers and open shelving below is also...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Furniture

19th Century Chinese Black Lacquered Desk
19th Century Chinese Black Lacquered Desk

19th Century Chinese Black Lacquered Desk

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century Chinese black lacquered desk, circa 1880. Comprising of 3 parts, 2 pedestals and top surface.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Desks

Materials

Lacquer

Chinese Three-Drawer Red Lacquer Collector's Shelf
Chinese Three-Drawer Red Lacquer Collector's Shelf

Chinese Three-Drawer Red Lacquer Collector's Shelf

Located in Chicago, IL

A later application of red lacquer highlights the piece with vivid color.  

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Furniture

Materials

Elm

Chinese Crimson Red Lacquer Coffer, circa 1800
Chinese Crimson Red Lacquer Coffer, circa 1800

Chinese Crimson Red Lacquer Coffer, circa 1800

Located in Chicago, IL

This Provincial coffer from northern China has a simple, clean-lined form finished with layers of black and cinnabar-red lacquer.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Elm

Antique Small Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard
Antique Small Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard

Antique Small Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard

Located in Round Top, TX

The quality of this cabinet is largely due to the exceptional lacquered finish over the original deep red paint which brings the piece to life, creating a desire to touch it.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Paint, Lacquer

Late Qing Dynasty Kang Chest
Late Qing Dynasty Kang Chest

Late Qing Dynasty Kang Chest

Located in Chicago, IL

This Kang chest is unusually original in every detail. The oxblood lacquer finish is beautifully mottled and aged. Oxblood is one of the three traditional Chinese lacquer colors.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Sideboards

Materials

Elm

Chinese Orange Lacquered Cabinet with Soapstone Inlay
Chinese Orange Lacquered Cabinet with Soapstone Inlay

Chinese Orange Lacquered Cabinet with Soapstone Inlay

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Beautiful Chinese export orange lacquered cabinet or sideboard featuring soapstone and hard stone inlay.

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Soapstone, Brass

Chinese Red-Lacquered Display Cabinet with Restoration
Chinese Red-Lacquered Display Cabinet with Restoration

Chinese Red-Lacquered Display Cabinet with Restoration

Located in Chicago, IL

This red lacquered Chinese display cabinet is made from elmwood and has been fully restored.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Linen Presses

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Anitque Chinese  Black Lacquered Sideboard
Anitque Chinese  Black Lacquered Sideboard

Anitque Chinese Black Lacquered Sideboard

Located in Yonkers, NY

Antique Chinese Black Lacquer Sideboard/Coffer.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Furniture

Materials

Elm

Chinese Red Lacquer Apothecary Cabinet, c. 1850
Chinese Red Lacquer Apothecary Cabinet, c. 1850

Chinese Red Lacquer Apothecary Cabinet, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

This 19th-century lacquered chest was originally used by a Chinese pharmacy to organize and store herbal medicines.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Elm

Chinese Black Lacquered Chest from the 1940s
Chinese Black Lacquered Chest from the 1940s

Chinese Black Lacquered Chest from the 1940s

Located in Lejre, DK

Chinese black lacquered chest from the 1940s. The chest is in great antique condition.

Category

Vintage 1940s Chinese Chinese Export Blanket Chests

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Crimson Crackle Lacquered Cabinet
19th Century Chinese Crimson Crackle Lacquered Cabinet

19th Century Chinese Crimson Crackle Lacquered Cabinet

Located in Chicago, IL

A classic piece of Chinese furniture, this 19th century lacquered cabinet possibly once occupied a home in China’s Shanxi Province, its shelves filled with curios or embroidered silks.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

19th Century Chinese Yellow Lacquer Breakfront Dresser
19th Century Chinese Yellow Lacquer Breakfront Dresser

19th Century Chinese Yellow Lacquer Breakfront Dresser

Located in Kastrup, DK

Breakfront dresser with original yellow lacquer and beautiful patina. Lower part with 2 pairs of doors.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Chinese Dressers

Materials

Elm

Pair, Antique Chinese Black Lacquer Apothecary Chests
Pair, Antique Chinese Black Lacquer Apothecary Chests

Pair, Antique Chinese Black Lacquer Apothecary Chests

Located in Bellport, NY

Pair of interesting Chinese antique apothecary chests. Each having 20 individual pull out deep drawers. Brass pulls, and brass decorative on drawer corners. Nicely designed, narrow i...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Antique Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet
Antique Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet

Antique Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet

Located in Yonkers, NY

Beautiful Antique Asian Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet With Elaborate Gilt Decorated Carving, 2 Sets Of Double Doors and 7 Drawers.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Wardrobes and Armoires

Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Kitchen Island Sideboard
Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Kitchen Island Sideboard

Antique Red Lacquered Chinese Kitchen Island Sideboard

Located in Round Top, TX

The highly polished lacquered finish gives this cabinet a sleek look and brings out the depth of the red paint. This long sideboard with three drawers and open shelving below is also...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Gilt Red Lacquer Cabinet, c. 1900
Chinese Gilt Red Lacquer Cabinet, c. 1900

Chinese Gilt Red Lacquer Cabinet, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This early 20th century Chinese cabinet from Fujian province features finely gilt painted doors adorned with birds and flowering branches.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Yellow Lacquered Low Sideboard
19th Century Chinese Yellow Lacquered Low Sideboard

19th Century Chinese Yellow Lacquered Low Sideboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Large Chinese Gansu region sideboard, circa 1850. Three lots of one deep drawer above two smaller drawers (nine in total) Large drawers have painted traditional Chinese scenes on t...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Lacquer

Chinese Black Lacquer Noodle Cabinet, c. 1850
Chinese Black Lacquer Noodle Cabinet, c. 1850

Chinese Black Lacquer Noodle Cabinet, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

This mid-19th century two door cabinet from China's Hebei province is still coated in a lustrous black lacquer finish after nearly two centuries of use.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Elm

Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Eight Panel Screen
Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Eight Panel Screen

Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Eight Panel Screen

Located in Astoria, NY

Chinese Coromandel lacquer eight panel screen, one side with gilded and polychromed court scenes, the reverse with a polychromed landscape.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Chinese Export Parcel Gilt Lacquered Wedding Cabinet Chest
Chinese Export Parcel Gilt Lacquered Wedding Cabinet Chest

Chinese Export Parcel Gilt Lacquered Wedding Cabinet Chest

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Marvelous Chinese export lacquered wedding cabinet or chest.

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Qing Dynasty Chinese Red Lacquered Cabinet - Shanxi Province
Qing Dynasty Chinese Red Lacquered Cabinet - Shanxi Province

Qing Dynasty Chinese Red Lacquered Cabinet - Shanxi Province

Located in Hoddesdon, GB

18th-century Chinese two-door red lacquered cabinet from Shanxi, China, dating back to the Qing period .

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer Open Shelf Cabinets
Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer Open Shelf Cabinets

Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer Open Shelf Cabinets

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Stunning pair of Chinese red lacquer cabinets featuring an open shelf top design.

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Regency Period Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Cabinets
Pair of Regency Period Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Cabinets

Pair of Regency Period Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Cabinets

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A rare pair of early 19th century Chinese Coromandel lacquer side cabinets, each inlaid with soap stone, depicting classical Chinese scenes set on a lacquer background.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets

Materials

Lacquer

Chinese Red Lacquer Two-Drawer Coffer
Chinese Red Lacquer Two-Drawer Coffer

Chinese Red Lacquer Two-Drawer Coffer

Located in Chicago, IL

Handsome, warm wood and a well-worn maroon colored patina accentuate this side chest's mature aura. The sizable drawers sit above a relief carved center panel—decorated with a flower...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sideboards

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Chinese Black Lacquer Book Chest, c. 1800
Chinese Black Lacquer Book Chest, c. 1800

Chinese Black Lacquer Book Chest, c. 1800

Located in Chicago, IL

A rolled-up scroll or treasured root pot may have once been among the erudite objects stored in this stately 19th-century book chest. Expertly constructed of northern elm (yumu) with...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Elm

Monumental 19th century Chinese red lacquer cupboard
Monumental 19th century Chinese red lacquer cupboard

Monumental 19th century Chinese red lacquer cupboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Monumental 19th century Chinese red lacquer cupboard circa 1870. Stunning Chinese cupboard of the largest proportions we have ever seen. 

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

Small Chinese Black Lacquered Wardrobe 19th Century
Small Chinese Black Lacquered Wardrobe 19th Century

Small Chinese Black Lacquered Wardrobe 19th Century

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Pretty XIXth century Chinese wardrobe in black lacquered wood decorated with court scenes, opening with two doors, one panel depicts women in a library, the other women playing the f...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Bookcase in Original Lacquer
Antique Chinese Bookcase in Original Lacquer

Antique Chinese Bookcase in Original Lacquer

Located in Kastrup, DK

Bookcase with original lacquer colors in ivory white, light green and black on the sides. Beautiful age-related patina, highlighted by a clear varnish with surface finish. A very d...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Sideboard in Red Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Sideboard in Red Lacquer

19th Century Chinese Sideboard in Red Lacquer

Located in Kastrup, DK

Sideboard in red lacquer with black lacquer top and sides. With a natural patina.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Elm

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Chinese Lacquer For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of Chinese lacquer available at 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, lacquer and hardwood. If you’re shopping for an item from our selection of Chinese lacquer, we have 1223 options in-stock, while there are 44 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect choice in our collection of Chinese lacquer — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right object in our assortment of Chinese lacquer, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Louis XV and Hollywood Regency styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one option in this array of Chinese lacquer that is appealing in its simplicity, but Modshop, Drexel and Ficks Reed produced versions that are worth a look. A large piece of Chinese lacquer can prove too imposing for some spaces, so the smaller item from our selection of Chinese lacquer available at 1stDibs — each spanning 10 in width — may make for a better choice.

How Much is a Chinese Lacquer?

Prices for a piece of Chinese lacquer can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $240 and can go as high as $346,832, while the average can fetch as much as $4,540.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Chinese Lacquer
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Chinese lacquer refers to the specific lacquering styles used in Chinese wares. Chinese lacquerware has a tradition stretching back thousands of years, and vintage examples are highly sought after by collectors. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Chinese lacquerware from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    There is actually no different between lacquer and acrylic lacquer. Acrylic lacquer is a type of lacquer. Unlike nitrocellulose lacquer, acrylic lacquer goes on clear and remains clear over time.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Chinese black lacquer is a resin sourced from the Toxicodendron vernicifluum (formerly Rhus verniciflua) tree that grows throughout East Asia. Artisans produce decorative objects entirely from the substance or use it as a finish for wood and other materials. Find a selection of Chinese black lacquer furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    To care for Chinese lacquered furniture, wipe it with a damp cloth regularly. You can use a paste wax intended for use on lacquer finishes to restore shine, but avoid using harsh furniture polishes and cleaners on pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a range of lacquered furniture.

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