Red Lacquer Scholars' Cabinet

With its commanding scale and simple silhouette, this tall Qing-dynasty cabinet offered the perfect canvas for elaborate decoration. Crafted in the mid-19th century, the cabinet has a clean-lined form, designed with straight sides, square corners and a paneled apron. The interior is fitted with three shelves, two drawers, and a hidden lower compartment. The expansive doors are cloaked in cinnabar-red lacquer and hand-painted with gilt scenery depicting palace courtyards and idyllic mountainous landscapes. These scenes are surrounded by vases with blossoming flowers and bronze vessels laden with offering fruits, mirroring the precious objects that would have decorated the scholars' studio. A brilliant gold when first applied, the gilt pigmentation has faded from a century of use for a softer, timeworn finish.

Significant wear to lacquer finish. Repairs to apron.

Additional Dimensions:
Shelves: 38"W x 18.5"D x 15"H
Drawers: 12.75"W x 15.75"D x 3.5"H