An exceptional, stunning and extremely rare Chinese carved chest of drawers in wonderful antique condition. Most likely made in Northern China around 1850 or possibly earlier, this superbly decorative and versatile eight-drawer cabinet will add knockout wow-factor as well as gorgeous colouring, superb quality and bygone Oriental splendour to any interior.
A great size for a versatile piece, whether it's used as a hallway console cabinet, a decorative living room storage piece, a dining buffet or a bedroom chest of drawers, this exceptional and historically significant commode will impress in any setting.
It's strong Mongolian and Qing Dynasty influences point to this stunning piece being made in Shanxi Province in Northern China. Traditionally crafted from reassuringly heavy, solid and wonderfully hued Elm & Cypress woods, displaying beautiful nutty-golden hues and wonderfully aged patination, this knockout chest of drawers has extremely rare and show-stopping raised-relief carvings to the eight drawers.
This staggering chest of drawers would have originally had the dual-purpose uses of household/temple storage as well as its top being used as an altar for daily worship rituals. It would have been painted and there are traces of vibrant red paint still visible to the carved fronts of the drawers, with crimson lacquer still on display to the sides.
It features a fabulously hefty, mottled-lacquered top with inlaid centre above panelled sides and back. Supported by substantial legs, it has decorative lower and side aprons and eight outstanding, chunky and ornately carved drawers, each carving with its own significance, and aged brass handles with petal mounts.
It's very rare for an antique Chinese chest...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Elm Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets