Chinese Lacquered Scholars' Shelf, c. 1850

Collecting was a popular pastime for well-to-do Ming and Qing dynasty gentleman, and a shelf like this one would have been an ideal place to display jades, curios, porcelain, and col...

This provincial collector's shelf features three open compartments enclosed by a decorative frame carved with abstract floral motifs. Dated to the late 19th century, the shelf once stood in an office or home studio, displaying a curated collection of precious objects such as porcelains, bronzes, jades, and scholars' rocks. At the base is a shallow drawer with a floral knob, perhaps used for stowing incense accessories and other smalls. Darkened by a warm finish, the shelf boasts a beautifully worn texture that only time can achieve. We love the rich history this small collector...