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Antique 19th Century Japanese Cabinets
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Finding the Right Cabinets for You
Although traditionally used in the bedroom to store garments that would not be hung in a closet, an antique or vintage cabinet can easily find a purpose in rooms throughout your entire house.
The world's first storage cabinets, reportedly constructed in Renaissance-era Europe, were demonstrative of excellence in carpentry and the work of master carvers. These robust bureaus or sophisticated chests of drawers were typically built from common woods, such as oak or walnut. Although they were fairly uniform in structure and lacked the bright colors of modern-day furniture, case pieces and storage cabinets that date from the 18th century and earlier were often found in the homes of nobility.
Their intricate carvings and various embellishments — adornments made from ivory, ornate lacquer work and, later, glass shelvings — reflect the elegance with which these decorative furnishings were associated. Given its valuable purpose and the beauty of the early furnishings' designs, the storage cabinet is an investment that will never go out of style.
The practical design that defines the earliest storage cabinets has inspired the creation of household must-haves, like minimalist drink trolleys and marble wood bookcases. From hiding outdoor gear in the mudroom to decluttering your kitchen with a tall kitchen pantry cabinet, these versatile furnishings have now become available in enough sizes, styles and colors to accommodate any space. After all, these aren't your run-of-the-mill filing cabinets.
A sophisticated storage cabinet — wood storage cabinets with doors and shelves, for example — can serve as a room divider when necessary, while the right vintage wall unit or floor-to-ceiling cabinetry solutions can seamlessly become part of any space without disrupting the energy of the room. And although you may hide items away in its drawers, bookworms might prefer a storage cabinet with open shelving for displaying favorite books or other media.
One-of-a-kind solutions for the modern consumer abound, but enthusiasts of understated, classical beauty may turn to Baroque-style storage cabinets. Elsewhere, admirers of mid-century modernism looking to make a statement with their case pieces will warm to the dark woods and clean lines of vintage storage cabinets by Paul McCobb, Florence Knoll or Edward Wormley.
Sometimes the best renovation is a reorganization. If you're ready to organize and elevate your space, a luxury storage cabinet is the addition you need.
Find a variety of vintage and antique storage cabinets on 1stDibs, including unique Art Deco storage cabinets, chinoiserie cabinets and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Japanese lacquer is made of resin produced from the sap of the Urushi tree. Artisans craft bowls, vases, boxes and other items out of the material. Find a collection of Japanese lacquer furniture and decorative objects and art on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You can restore Japanese lacquer that has been damaged by exposure to light by gently buffing it with carnauba wax. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the wax into the piece, removing any excess and avoiding undamaged lacquer. Take a look on 1stDibs for a variety of pieces featuring Japanese lacquer.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To clean a Japanese lacquer box, start by moistening a soft lint-free cloth with warm water. Ring it out and then gently rub every surface. Do not use soap as it may damage the lacquer. Dry the box promptly with a second soft, dry lint-free cloth. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese lacquer boxes.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, there is a type of varnish called Japanese lacquer. It is made from the sap of an urushi tree, which grows in Japan, China and Southeast Asia. On 1stDibs, you can find vintage and modern Japanese lacquered pieces from some of the top sellers around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To fix Japanese black lacquer, take it to a furniture repair shop that has previously worked with the material. Lacquer is very delicate. Attempting to fix a piece on your own could cause further damage. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Japanese black lacquer.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Japanese lacquerware items are finished with a sap that comes from the lacquer tree. This finish is prone to degradation, especially if exposed to sun and water, and age will take its toll as well. To clean lacquerware items, wet a lint-free cloth and wring as much water out as you can, then wipe the item. Finish by drying it with a soft lint-free cloth. Shop a range of antique and vintage Japanese lacquerware on 1stDibs.
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