Tibetan Golden Dragon Kyungbur Coffer, c. 1850

Crafted in 19th-century Tibet, this extraordinary cabinet is beautifully decorated from end to end with hand-painted floral motifs. Brushed in a cool palette of green, red, blue and ...

This low two-drawer chest is a 19th-century coffer from northern China or Mongolia and was repainted with bright colors in the early 20th century in the style of Tibetan painted furniture. The top surface has been painted with verdant mountainous landscape dotted with grazing animals, colorful flowers and dancing figures. Crashing waves churn along a river in the foreground and plumes of smoke billow from hilltop fires in the distance. The front panels and drawers are painted with intricate scrollwork and ribbon-clad Buddhist auspicious symbols, including the parasol, the treasure vase, the conch shell, the endless knot, the pair of golden fishes, the banner of victory, and the wheel of life. These symbols of good fortune represent the offerings that were made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha when he attained enlightenment. The sides are painted with a lotus flower surrounding the Three Jewels...

Chinese artisans often weave stories and symbolism into their furniture designs. In Mandarin, the words for "eight" and "luck" share a pronunciation, making this coffer a powerful sy...

This elegant 19th-century coffer was crafted of elm (yumu) with a square corner frame and four doors, each decorated with a traditional bird-and-flower painting. The serene garden vi...

A Qing Dynasty period elm sideboard from the 19th century, with two drawers and carved apron. This Qing Dynasty period elm sideboard from the 19th century captures the eye with its e...

Antique Tibetan Small Elm Red Lacquer 2 Door Chest This small elm wood cabinet from Tibet was used as storage for valuables and important documents. Orig...

Antique Shanxi province winged elmwood sideboard This elmwood winged sideboard with original brown lacquer and patina has 4 drawers, 4 shelves, and ...

Antique Shanxi Province Small Winged Elmwood Cabinet This cabinet has 2 drawers and 2 shelves.