Scholar's cabinet from the Kuang Hsu period in China c. 1875

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About the Item

An attractive scholar's cabinet from the Kuang Hsu period in China c. 1875. Please notice this piece retains the original red lacquer colour over the entire piece as red was associated with good fortune. The cabinet is elevated on slender legs to reduce the chance of damage should a flood occur as this piece is the Hunan province. Both cabinet doors feature panels of hand painted decoration as well as carved panels and were designed to take advantage of the natural light produced by candles, oil lamps and flames from the bronze braziers that were used for heat during the cold season. The contrast of the gold against the red and black lacquer produced a stunning effect whether viewed during the day or at night. The square effect inset panels at the top each feature three figures set in a natural landscape with a deity standing upon a cloud appearing to the two figures below. Notice that all the figures are distinct individuals and are placed within differing natural settings. At the bottom of each door are two square panels that speak about the natural cycle of life. Each panel features a different variety of flowering plant along with an insect for pollination on the left and a pair of birds in flight on the left. The pairs of inset carved panels at the top each showcase a branch of fruit and leaves placed in a horizontal configuration while the middle carved panels focus on a pair of figures standing in opposition ready to engage in hand to hand combat. When the cabinet doors are open the interior space reveals a shelf supporting a pair of drawers for the storage of supplies needed for the creation of scrolls and painting. The open shelves were used for finished pieces as well as reference scrolls and books. At the base of the interior is a removable panel that allows access to the enclosed well. Valuable pieces were kept within and only removed on rare occassions. The combination of utility and inspirational beauty is a hallmark of fine chinese furniture and this cabinet was invented for a gentleman who possessed the leisure time, wealth and education to devote to a life of scholarly pursuits. An interesting side note - the last person to live with this piece obviously used it to house a television as there is a small hole drilled in the back behind the upper shelf to allow for electrical power to be supplied to the interior of the cabinet. This clever adaptation of an antique transforms an object of beauty into a useful piece for modern life.

Dimensions:
Height: 71 in (180.34 cm)Width: 38 in (96.52 cm)Depth: 21 in (53.34 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Paint,Wood
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1875
Condition:
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: HKA3731stDibs: U1009138668195

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