Herbal Apothecary Compound Cabinet

This many-drawered cabinet is a 19th-century Chinese apothecary chest, originally used in a pharmacy to organize and store traditional herbal medicines. A statement piece brilliantly constructed with mortise and tenon joinery, the cabinet has a stacked, two-part design, with an upper section placed flush atop the lower for a seamless facade. The cabinet is finished with a protective clear coat that brings out the beautiful warm color and expressive grain of northern elm (yumu).

Across both sections, the compound cabinet has thirty-six shallow drawers, each fitted with multiple interior compartments. Each drawer is patterned with faded paper labels designating the former contents and has an elegant brass drop handle affixed by plates modeled after Chinese coins (qián). A large upper compartment provides additional storage, ideal today as a shelf for books, pottery or sculptures.

Additional Dimensions:
Drawers: 10.5"W x 14"D x 3"H
Shelf: 50"W x 16"D x 13.75"H