RARE ANTIQUE CHINESE QING DYNASTY SHANXI LACQUER GILDED PAINTED CABINET 18TH C

Description: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE GJPaw Auctions is pleased to offer for sale a very rare antique Lacquered, Painted and Gilded Cabinet. It is composed of beautifully crafted and decorated elm wood and originates from Shanxi province, famous not only for fine furniture made during the Qing dynasty, but also large lacquered cabinets which would be given as part of a wedding dowry. It is exquisitely decorated in gilt with four finely drawn landscapes, foliate motifs, and highly auspicious fruit symbols commonly known as The Three Abundances, or the Three “Plenties,” which consist of the peach (symbolizing longevity), the pomegranate (symbolizing descendants or progeny) and the citron (symbolizing happiness and longevity). Indeed, this symbolic imagery - wishing with a peach, a pomegranate, and a finger-lemon, a long life, many sons, and happiness - indicates that this rare and highly collectible cabinet would have been part of a wedding dowry from an important and wealthy family. Thus symbolism and function combine with beauty and practicality in a way that was the true hallmark of Chinese antique furniture. The cabinet is in very good used condition, with wear consistent to a dating from the mid to late -18th Century. Importantly, it is an intact, original period piece. The measurements are 50.75 inches in length by 25 inches deep by 76 inches in height (129 cm by 63.5 cm by 193 cm). It has a fine provenance coming from an important U.S. mid-west collection. This is a rare, timeless and beautiful piece, excellent for today’s décor, and a unique opportunity for a collector of fine antique furniture to adorn either an office or home, while savoring the culture, traditions and lifestyle of Chinese civilization. The Chinese character for cabinet (柜) consists of the wood radical and a three-sided frame enclosing the character preciousness. Literally, cabinets of China had been made of wood and were used for the containment of precious possessions. Their earliest form can be traced as far back as 433.B.C. Chinese cabinets were functional objects as well as works of art and came in various shapes, sizes, forms, and designs to hold a variety of objects, often in pairs symbolizing double happiness. There are two main styles of large Chinese cabinets, their names derived from their contours: the square-corner cabinet and the round-corner cabinet (also known as the tapered or sloping-style, wood-hinged cabinet). This particularly fine black lacquer square-cornered cabinet has vertical sides, but atypically with two doors mounted on wooden pivots rather than metal hinges, giving easy access, four drawers (two interior and two exterior) and a concealed storage area at the bottom, covered by removable boards. The imposing size of the cabinet is softened only by the slight splay of the legs and the decorative lock panels on the front. The primary function of a square-corner cabinet was to store clothes. The Western concept of an armoire or wardrobe cabinet did not exist in traditional China, as the Chinese would never hang clothes vertically inside a cabinet. Instead clothes and bed linens were laid flat, folded and stacked horizontally inside a chest or cabinet or hung on wooden racks, rather than vertically on hangers. This is a showcase example of Chinese furniture featuring the most important artistic, decorative and functional aspects of Chinese culture and would be a centerpiece in any collection of Chinese antiques and furniture. Additional images are available by request, and can usually be provided within 1 business day. Standard international freight shipping is NOT included for this item. Please inquire for freight quote, which will include custom crating and packaging, and International freight to your closest port, business or residential address. Additional shipping options, such as freight forwarding or white glove service can be added upon request. GJPaw Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay. Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the Globe at Primitive in Chicago. Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add GJPaw to Sellers you Follow and please take a moment to look at our other auction items. F1009-036

Price: 16950 USD

Location: Chicago, Illinois

End Time: 2024-11-15T03:39:33.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD