Vintage Chinese Kitchen Cabinet With Handcarving and Lacquerwork

Description

A large 20th century Chinese-export kitchen cabinet, pantry or cupboard with three deep, handcarved drawers and capacious cupboard sections above … more A large 20th century Chinese-export kitchen cabinet, pantry or cupboard with three deep, handcarved drawers and capacious cupboard sections above and below. The carving and lacquerwork panels in the upper section are intricate but understated, and the cabinet's clean lines and expanses of smooth, honey-toned wood give it a vintage modern feel.

The upper and lower sections each have two swing doors hat open away from the center on wooden pin hinges. Both sets of doors feature round face plates and handles in patinated brass. The face panels on either side above and below are held in place by wooden pins and easily removed. The four panels of the upper section are adorned with gilt red-lacquer architectural scenes. The three midsection drawers feature artfully carved floral motifs and brass pulls with sliding brass locking pins.

The structure of this Chinese cabinet is consistent with traditional handcrafted furniture, assembled with mortise tenon and joinery. The only nails in the cabinet affix the decorative hinge heads at the front.

The cabinet's sides are decorated simply with pierced carving between the feet, while the top facade features an elegant narrow frieze with a vine pattern. This solid piece has been well-maintained and has beautifully-aged patina. It would make a stunning statement in a large reception or living area or serve as a functional bar. The bottom compartment is perfect for wine storage, the upper compartment for spirits and glasses, and the large drawers for bar accoutrements or table linens.

I purchased the cabinet from a well-established furniture and antique dealer in Malacca (Malaysia) in the early 2000s. less