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Louis XV Style Drawer Commode, Chinese Style Lacquer, 1950s
Louis XV Style Drawer Commode, Chinese Style Lacquer, 1950s

Louis XV Style Drawer Commode, Chinese Style Lacquer, 1950s

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Bulged shape and inferior scalloped bar. Brown lacquer decor adorned with large red background Chinese cartouches figuring a gilt and black lake landscape with a garden near a lake,...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Chinese Coffer in Red and Gilt Lacquered Wood, 19th Century
Chinese Coffer in Red and Gilt Lacquered Wood, 19th Century

Chinese Coffer in Red and Gilt Lacquered Wood, 19th Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Chinese coffer in red and gilt lacquered wood opening by a top flap thanks to a brass latch.

Category

Antique 1880s Asian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet with Wucai Painting
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet with Wucai Painting

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet with Wucai Painting

Located in Chicago, IL

A pair of exquisite floral painted cabinets from Shanxi Province, China c.1850. Original wucai lacquer and brass closures.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Furniture

Chinese Long Red Lacquered Kwang Chest
Chinese Long Red Lacquered Kwang Chest

Chinese Long Red Lacquered Kwang Chest

Located in Chicago, IL

Please contact dealer for full product description.

Category

Antique 19th Century Sideboards

Materials

Elm

Chinese Style Cabinet in Black and Red Lacquered Wood, 1950s
Chinese Style Cabinet in Black and Red Lacquered Wood, 1950s

Chinese Style Cabinet in Black and Red Lacquered Wood, 1950s

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Chinese style cabinet in black and red lacquered wood with gilt highlights opening by two-door leaves on a compartment with a shelf.

Category

Vintage 1950s English Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Union National Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Secretary Cabinet
Union National Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Secretary Cabinet

Union National Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Secretary Cabinet

By Union National

Located in Dayton, OH

"The Union National breakfront was rated as the finest breakfront in the world. In 1980, after flying in the magazines Lear jet to inspect the factory and the breakfront, the publish...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Cupboards

Materials

Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint

Chinese Style Lacquered Cabinet, England, End of the 19th Century
Chinese Style Lacquered Cabinet, England, End of the 19th Century

Chinese Style Lacquered Cabinet, England, End of the 19th Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Coromandel black lacquer and decor such as fishermen and landscapes Gilt bronzes Standing on Louis XV style giltwood base Opening with two doors Mirror inside English work End ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Louis XV Cabinets

Materials

Gilt Metal

19th Century Chinese Four Door Two Drawer Red Lacquer Chest
19th Century Chinese Four Door Two Drawer Red Lacquer Chest

19th Century Chinese Four Door Two Drawer Red Lacquer Chest

Located in Chicago, IL

A red lacquer chest from Shanxi Province, China. This chest has four drawers atop four doors all with brass fixtures.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sideboards

Materials

Elm

Chinese Art Deco Carved Camphor, Lacquer and Cedar Trunk Chest
Chinese Art Deco Carved Camphor, Lacquer and Cedar Trunk Chest

Chinese Art Deco Carved Camphor, Lacquer and Cedar Trunk Chest

Located in Atlanta, GA

Intricately carved and decorated Chinese Art Deco trunk or chest of camphor wood and black lacquer.

Category

20th Century Chinese Trunks and Luggage

19th Century Chinese Two Door Two Drawer Red Lacquer Chest
19th Century Chinese Two Door Two Drawer Red Lacquer Chest

19th Century Chinese Two Door Two Drawer Red Lacquer Chest

Located in Chicago, IL

A lovely dark red lacquered chest from Shanxi Province, China. This chest has two drawers above two doors.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sideboards

Materials

Elm

Chinese Antique Round Corner Cabinet, Red Lacquered Ming Style
Chinese Antique Round Corner Cabinet, Red Lacquered Ming Style

Chinese Antique Round Corner Cabinet, Red Lacquered Ming Style

Located in Somis, CA

A highly sophisticated, beautiful early 19th century round corner cabinet in russet cinnabar. A miter, tenon and mortise construction creates the top which four round, vertical posts...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Chinese 1930s Art Deco Black Lacquer Two-Toned Side Cabinet with Bamboo Design
Chinese 1930s Art Deco Black Lacquer Two-Toned Side Cabinet with Bamboo Design

Chinese 1930s Art Deco Black Lacquer Two-Toned Side Cabinet with Bamboo Design

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Art Deco period two-toned black lacquer side cabinet from the early 20th century, with bamboo design and petite burl wood panels.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Burl

Chinese 1930s Art Deco Black Lacquer Two-Toned Side Cabinet with Bamboo Design
Chinese 1930s Art Deco Black Lacquer Two-Toned Side Cabinet with Bamboo Design

Chinese 1930s Art Deco Black Lacquer Two-Toned Side Cabinet with Bamboo Design

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Art Deco period two-toned black lacquer side cabinet from the early 20th century, with bamboo design and petite burl wood panels.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Burl

Chinese Ming Style Red Lacquered Wardrobe with Drawers and Shelves
Chinese Ming Style Red Lacquered Wardrobe with Drawers and Shelves

Chinese Ming Style Red Lacquered Wardrobe with Drawers and Shelves

Located in Kastrup, DK

Mid-19th century Chinese wardrobe. Red lacquer with a beautiful age-related patina.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Ming Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Comelli, Louis XV Style Commode, Chinese Style Lacquer, 1950s
Comelli, Louis XV Style Commode, Chinese Style Lacquer, 1950s

Comelli, Louis XV Style Commode, Chinese Style Lacquer, 1950s

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Walter Comelli, signed. Louis XV style commode opening by two front drawers on two levels without crossbar and standing on four cabriole legs. Bulged shape and scalloped inferior dr...

Category

Vintage 1950s European Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Red Lacquered Painted Chinese Trunk with Compartments and Counters Early 20th C.
Red Lacquered Painted Chinese Trunk with Compartments and Counters Early 20th C.

Red Lacquered Painted Chinese Trunk with Compartments and Counters Early 20th C.

Located in London, GB

A trunk of substantial size and style. The interior hosts a large main compartment with a section which sits on top with smaller compartments. ideal for small item storage. The exte...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Chinese Four Door Two Drawer Black Lacquer Coffer
19th Century Chinese Four Door Two Drawer Black Lacquer Coffer

19th Century Chinese Four Door Two Drawer Black Lacquer Coffer

Located in Chicago, IL

A c. 1850 black lacquer Chinese northern elmwood coffer with two large drawers and four doors with brass hardware from Shanxi Province, China.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Sideboards

Late 19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Butterfly Cabinet, Shanxi Sideboard
Late 19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Butterfly Cabinet, Shanxi Sideboard

Late 19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Butterfly Cabinet, Shanxi Sideboard

Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire

a captivating late 19th-century Chinese butterfly cabinet, a traditional altar coffer originating from Shanxi Province.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Early 20th Century Chinese Five Drawer Two Door Lacquered Coffer
Early 20th Century Chinese Five Drawer Two Door Lacquered Coffer

Early 20th Century Chinese Five Drawer Two Door Lacquered Coffer

Located in Chicago, IL

A lovely red lacquered coffer from Tianjin Province, China. This coffer features two doors and five drawers all with brass hardware.

Category

20th Century Chinese Sideboards

Materials

Elm

Antique Original Painted Lacquered Chinese Sideboard, Stunning Colors, ca 1800
Antique Original Painted Lacquered Chinese Sideboard, Stunning Colors, ca 1800

Antique Original Painted Lacquered Chinese Sideboard, Stunning Colors, ca 1800

Located in Round Top, TX

This is an exceptional original hand painted Chinese sideboard from the early part of the 19th century.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Tall Lacquer Cabinet
Tall Lacquer Cabinet

Tall Lacquer Cabinet

Located in Yonkers, NY

Tall Cabinet in original Red Lacquer, Shanxi, China, Ca.1840

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Union National Green & Black Lacquer Chinoiserie China Hutch Display Cabinet
Union National Green & Black Lacquer Chinoiserie China Hutch Display Cabinet

Union National Green & Black Lacquer Chinoiserie China Hutch Display Cabinet

By Union National

Located in Dayton, OH

"Circa 1980s Union National China Cabinet. Made from hardwood with green and black lacquer finish.

Category

Vintage 1980s Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer

Black Lacquer Cabinet
Black Lacquer Cabinet

Black Lacquer Cabinet

Located in Greenwich, CT

A simple and elegant black lacquer cabinet with round brass fitting. View our website at: www.greenwichorientalantiques.com for additional cabinet selections.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Cabinets

Materials

Lacquer

Black Lacquer Cabinet
Black Lacquer Cabinet

Black Lacquer Cabinet

Located in Greenwich, CT

A simple and elegant black lacquer cabinet with brass fitting. Beautiful form, lines and colors. Visit our website at: www.greeniwchorientalantiques.com for additional cabinet select...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Cabinets

Materials

Lacquer

Black Lacquer Cabinet
Black Lacquer Cabinet

Black Lacquer Cabinet

Located in Greenwich, CT

A very elegant and refined black lacquer cabinet, a pair of doors with round brass fitting. View our website at: www.greenwichorientalantiques.com for additional "armoire/cabinet" se...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Lacquer

Black Lacquer Armoire
Black Lacquer Armoire

Black Lacquer Armoire

Located in Greenwich, CT

A very refined and elegant black lacquer armoire, simple form, a pair of doors with round brass fitting. View our website at: www.greenwichorientalantiques.com for additional "armoir...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Lacquer

Black Lacquer Sideboard
Black Lacquer Sideboard

Black Lacquer Sideboard

Located in Greenwich, CT

A very refined and elegant black lacquer sideboard, four drawers on top of two pairs of doors, brass fitting. View our website at: www.greenwichorientalantiques.com for additional "s...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Lacquer

Black Lacquer Armoire
Black Lacquer Armoire

Black Lacquer Armoire

Located in Greenwich, CT

A very simple and refined black lacquer armoire, of upright slender form, a pair of doors with round brass fitting. Visit our website at: www.greenwichorientalantiques.com for additi...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Lacquer

1900 Chinese Cabinet with Red Lacquer Inside
1900 Chinese Cabinet with Red Lacquer Inside

1900 Chinese Cabinet with Red Lacquer Inside

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

. Chinese style lacquer . Gilt decor on black background of landscape scenes .

Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinoiserie Cabinets

19th Century Chinese Black Crackle Lacquered Cabinet
19th Century Chinese Black Crackle Lacquered Cabinet

19th Century Chinese Black Crackle Lacquered Cabinet

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Chinese heavily black crackle lacquered cabinet with two doors and two drawers, with brass hardware.

Category

Antique 19th Century Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Chinese Cream Lacquered and Hand Painted Lingerie Highboy With Gold Accents
Chinese Cream Lacquered and Hand Painted Lingerie Highboy With Gold Accents

Chinese Cream Lacquered and Hand Painted Lingerie Highboy With Gold Accents

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Elevate your interior with this Chinese Cream Lacquered Highboy Armoire. Adorned with intricate hand-painted designs and gold accents, this armoire combines classic elegance with pra...

Category

Vintage 1980s Chinese Dressers

Materials

Wood

Original Lacquered Sideboard
Original Lacquered Sideboard

Original Lacquered Sideboard

Located in Yonkers, NY

Elmwood Sideboard with original Worn Red Lacquer finish & lovely Patina. 19th Century, China.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Buffets

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Union National Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Curio Cabinet 90"
Union National Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Curio Cabinet 90"

Union National Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Curio Cabinet 90"

By Union National

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Union National breakfront china cabinet featuring black lacquer with four hand painted Chinoiserie scenes.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Maple, Lacquer

Fine Lacquered and Gilt Oriental Chinese Side Cabinet Cupboard Sideboard
Fine Lacquered and Gilt Oriental Chinese Side Cabinet Cupboard Sideboard

Fine Lacquered and Gilt Oriental Chinese Side Cabinet Cupboard Sideboard

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

A most pleasing side cabinet presented in very good antique condition Of classic oriental form showing delightful hand painted floral detailing with opulent gilt leaf surface Dati...

Category

20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Lacquer

Comelli, Chinese Style Lacquered Louis XVI Style Small Commode, 1950s
Comelli, Chinese Style Lacquered Louis XVI Style Small Commode, 1950s

Comelli, Chinese Style Lacquered Louis XVI Style Small Commode, 1950s

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Black lacquer adorned with gold Chinese style motifs on door leaves and sides figuring Asian characters, mountain landscapes, a garden with a lake, a bridge, trees and pagodas.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Lacquered  Sideboard
Lacquered  Sideboard

Lacquered Sideboard

Located in Yonkers, NY

Gansu Province, China.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Union National Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Cabinet 116"
Union National Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Cabinet 116"

Union National Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Cabinet 116"

By Union National

Located in Dayton, OH

Built of solid maple and finished in hand rubbed black lacquer with 42 panes of hand beveled glass. The interior is painted in Chinese (Mandarin) red to contrast with the exterior an...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Maple, Lacquer, Paint

Chinoiserie Asian Black Lacquer Pagoda Style Display China Cabinet Vitrine
Chinoiserie Asian Black Lacquer Pagoda Style Display China Cabinet Vitrine

Chinoiserie Asian Black Lacquer Pagoda Style Display China Cabinet Vitrine

Located in West Hartford, CT

Asian black lacquered pagoda style display cabinet with gold trim and brass hardware. It features glass on front doors and on sides with fretwork detail at corners. Doors open to thr...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Wood, Lacquer

Antique Brown Painted Lacquered Chinese Cabinet Sideboard With Paneled Doors
Antique Brown Painted Lacquered Chinese Cabinet Sideboard With Paneled Doors

Antique Brown Painted Lacquered Chinese Cabinet Sideboard With Paneled Doors

Located in Round Top, TX

Visual intrigue abounds in this small yet dramatic dark brown painted Chinese cabinet with lacquer finish. It is the unique heavily paneled doors and upper drawers that one finds mes...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Paint

Black Lacquer Armoire
Black Lacquer Armoire

Black Lacquer Armoire

Located in Greenwich, CT

Of upright slender form, very simple and elegant, two drawers on top of a pair of doors, brass fitting. View our website at: www.greenwichorientalantiques.com for additional "armoire...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Lacquer

Vintage Sligh Chinese Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Kneehole Writing Desk MCM
Vintage Sligh Chinese Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Kneehole Writing Desk MCM

Vintage Sligh Chinese Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Kneehole Writing Desk MCM

By Sligh Furniture

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Sligh Furniture black lacquered knee hole writing desk featuring Chinoiserie styling with seven drawers, a tooled red leather top, and floral landscape motif that features bi...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood, Lacquer

White Lacquered Pair Faux Bamboo Chests Nightstands Chinese Chippendale Brass
White Lacquered Pair Faux Bamboo Chests Nightstands Chinese Chippendale Brass

White Lacquered Pair Faux Bamboo Chests Nightstands Chinese Chippendale Brass

By Ficks Reed

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Fabulous Ficks Reed pair of vintage faux bamboo, Chinese Chippendale three-drawer chests nightstands.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Pair of Chinese Chippendale Style Lacquered Cabinets
Pair of Chinese Chippendale Style Lacquered Cabinets

Pair of Chinese Chippendale Style Lacquered Cabinets

Located in St. Louis, MO

Pair of matching cabinets with chrome trim and doors with Chinese Chippendale style doors with Lucite pulls.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Original Red Painted Lacquered Antique Display Cabinet Bookcase from China
Original Red Painted Lacquered Antique Display Cabinet Bookcase from China

Original Red Painted Lacquered Antique Display Cabinet Bookcase from China

Located in Round Top, TX

Absolutely stunning, this original red painted lacquered china cabinet still maintains dramatic gold painted birds, trees, butterflies and figures found throughout the casework.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Bookcases

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Painted Red Lacquered Cabinet
19th Century Chinese Painted Red Lacquered Cabinet

19th Century Chinese Painted Red Lacquered Cabinet

Located in Chicago, IL

Red floral painted cabinet from Dongbei Province, China. This cabinet features four doors and four drawers for lots of storage potential.

Category

Antique 19th Century Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Union National Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Cabinet 116"
Union National Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Cabinet 116"

Union National Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Cabinet 116"

By Union National

Located in Dayton, OH

Built of solid maple and finished in hand rubbed black lacquer with 42 panes of hand beveled glass. The interior is painted in Chinese (Mandarin) red to contrast with the exterior an...

Category

20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Maple, Lacquer, Paint

Painted Chinoiserie Bar Cabinet on Cabriole Stand
Painted Chinoiserie Bar Cabinet on Cabriole Stand

Painted Chinoiserie Bar Cabinet on Cabriole Stand

Located in Chicago, IL

The upper cabinet is decorated to resemble Chinese lacquer cabinetry, the doors and sides embellished with idyllic mountain-and-water landscapes and the drawers with birds and floral...

Category

Early 20th Century British Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Black Lacquer Altar table
Black Lacquer Altar table

Black Lacquer Altar table

Located in Greenwich, CT

A stylish black lacquer altar table, single plank top ended in everted flanges and supported by straight legs and joined by stretchers and spandrels. view our website at: www.greenwi...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Pair of Chinese Chinoiserie Midcentury Black Lacquer Nightstands with Mirrors
Pair of Chinese Chinoiserie Midcentury Black Lacquer Nightstands with Mirrors

Pair of Chinese Chinoiserie Midcentury Black Lacquer Nightstands with Mirrors

Located in West Hartford, CT

Pair of black lacquer chinoiserie nightstands with matching mirrors that can be hung. Hand painted with flowers and birds. Features ornate incised brass hardware. Doors open to stora...

Category

Vintage 1970s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th Century 6-Door Red Lacquered Cabinet from Shanxi China
Antique 19th Century 6-Door Red Lacquered Cabinet from Shanxi China

Antique 19th Century 6-Door Red Lacquered Cabinet from Shanxi China

Located in Round Top, TX

The elongated open panels are visually striking in this stunning cabinet from China. The original red and wood-toned painted finish is slightly distressed, revealing the age and addi...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquer Alter Cabinet Stand Chinoiserie Entry Console
Vintage Chinese Red Lacquer Alter Cabinet Stand Chinoiserie Entry Console

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquer Alter Cabinet Stand Chinoiserie Entry Console

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th century Chinese red lacquer entryway cabinet or stand. Features a beautiful oriental motif showing birds and various flowers.

Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Console Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

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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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