19th Century Chinese Lacquer Table Cabinet or Jewelry Box

A decorative pair of loose pillows or cushions, made of antique hand made needlework tapestry of floral design, with modern cotton backing and ruby / cream fringe edging. English, l...

A very decorative Grand Tour vase after a design by Thomas Hope, mounted as table lamp, in porcelain with matte turquoise ground and glazed classical ornaments. English, early 19th c...

A superbly decorative six-panel lacquered 'Coromandel' screen, exquisitely carved and hand-painted with oriental figures, flowers and exotic beasts on a dark brown background, in the traditional 17th century manner.  China, Canton, Qing dynasty, late 19th – early 20th century. Why we like it We like its impressive proportions which make it perfect for a feature wall, and the exquisite quality of decoration. The subtlety of colours lends a 'soft' look to the piece. The central motif depicts a scene set in the gardens of a Han dynasty palace, while the outer borders are decorated with the “one hundred antiques” motif interspersed with floral arrangements. In this regard, the present screen not only conveys auspicious meanings but also demonstrate the owner’s fine scholarly taste. History The term 'Coromandel', which is used to describe this particular type of lacquer technique (kuancai), is rather misleading. In the 18th century it was used commercially to indicate the place from which these objects were shipped to England through the East India Companies, and had no reference to China, the place of their origin. Similarly, Chinese painted wallpaper was often called 'India paper' in historic documants. The kuancai lacquer technique, literally meaning “cut out colour” and found almost exclusively on screens, emerged in the 16th century to serve the domestic market. The iconographic elements were carved through the built-up coats of dark lacquer and filled with pigments and gold. Seventeenth century examples usually consisted of twelve panels, and were often employed in entrance halls or as room dividers or windscreens for gardens and terraces. They were often commissioned as gifts and depicted court scenes, episodes from the world of the immortals, panoramic or landscape views and auspicious symbols. This type of lacquerware was flourishing during the reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662-1722) and saw a revival in the 19th century. Stylistically the present screen may be compared with the twelve-panel lacquer screen from the Kangxi period in the Victoria and Albert Museum illustrated by W. De Kesel and G. Dhont in Coromandel Lacquer Screens, ill. 23, pps 36-37. Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe. In the 20th century, Coromandel screens still remained a staple in the European interior design. Coco Chanel had a collection of 32 rare Coromandel screens, which she proudly displayed in her home at 31 Rue Cambom, Paris. She one...

A pair of decorative loose cushions made of antique handwoven tapestry of floral design, with modern linen backing and tassel fringe edging. French, late 19th – early 20th century. ...

A stunning pair of Chinese Ming style side chairs or meiguiyi, with spindle-backs and solid seats. China, Qing dynasty, circa 1800–1900. Why we like them Their smart design, superb quality and richly patinated, original colour make these chairs a rare and desirable find, a versatile and decorative object, suitable for sleek and opulent interiors. This type of chair was popular in the Ming dynasty for its light construction and elegant appearance. Design and history The golden age of Chinese furniture spanned the Ming (1368-1644) to middle Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, when furniture suddenly leaped away from previous lacquered softwoods towards austere and refined pieces crafted from Southeast Asian hardwoods. The emphasis was on simplicity, often with little or no decoration, wonderful timber selection and complex mortise and tenon joinery. No nails were used, so pieces could be broken down and flat-packed for storage and travel. Zitan wood was favoured by the Imperial Palace, and lent itself to exceptionally fine carving. But honey-coloured and richly figured huanghuali was the favourite of the scholar officials who governed China. Those who could afford to, decorated their studios sparsely with just a few select and useful pieces of huanghuali furniture: a painting table, a pairs of open book cabinets, a highbacked armchair and a pair of side chairs, maybe an incense stand, a strange rock evoking a distant mountain, and a painting. In design and interior spacing they were the first true minimalists. For a brief discussion of the lowback armchair...

A charming Georgian style slipper chair of compact proportions, covered in well-aged, possibly original buttoned leather. England, circa 1860. Why we like it Very comfortable and w...

19th century Qing Dynasty Chinese lacquer jewelry box detailed with various genre scenes in gold detail. Pink silk lining, can be locked, does not ...

19th century antique hand painted Chinese lacquer jewelry cabinet with a pair of raised panel doors opening to five drawers with turned ivory...

19th century Chinese lacquer box from the Qing dynasty. Used as box for nails made of lacquered wood. Oriental scenes in golden. In ve...

19th century Chinese lacquer box from the Qing Dynasty. Used for board games and golden by hand. In very good condition.

19th century large Chinese lacquer wedding or travel box from the Qing dynasty. Beautiful intricate designs all-over with images of ancient Chi...

Chinese red lacquer box. Measures: 11.5 x 11.5 x 6.5 inch.