19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Corner Detail Of Frame From 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Angled View Of 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Open Doors VIew Of 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Interior Of 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Door Artwork Detail From 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Door Artwork Detail From 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Door Artwork Detail From 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Door Artwork Detail From 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Door Artwork Detail From 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Top Down View Of 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Detail From 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
Detail From The Top Of 19th Century Qinghai Painted Three Door Sideboard With Scholarly Motifs And Original Grain Store Form | Indigo Antiques
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3 Door Painted Sideboard From Qinghai - 19th Century

SKU C2773 · 19th Century, from Qinghai, China

This remarkable 19th-century painted sideboard from Qinghai province began life as a traditional grain store, later thoughtfully converted into a highly decorative and practical cabinet. Originally designed to open from the top via a hatch, the front has since been adapted with three panelled doors, making it far more functional for modern use while preserving its historic character. The doors…

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Dimensions W222 × D46 × H87 cm

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Description

This remarkable 19th-century painted sideboard from Qinghai province began life as a traditional grain store, later thoughtfully converted into a highly decorative and practical cabinet. Originally designed to open from the top via a hatch, the front has since been adapted with three panelled doors, making it far more functional for modern use while preserving its historic character.

The doors are beautifully painted with intricate depictions of scholarly objects — including vessels, flowers and auspicious decorative items — traditional symbols of wisdom, refinement and status within Chinese culture. These motifs are set against a rich green ground and framed by a deep red border, creating a striking contrast that enhances the cabinet’s presence. The layered paint surface shows gentle wear and age, giving the piece depth, warmth and authenticity.

Internally, the cabinet is divided into three sections, each fitted with its own shelf, providing practical storage. In addition to their use as grain stores, cabinets of this type were often repurposed as altar cabinets for family ancestor worship, reflecting their importance within the home. Solid and architectural in form, this piece combines rustic strength with vibrant decorative artistry.

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Our expert restorers inspect every item, making joints sound and carefully cleaning surfaces. 

We favour conservation over restoration and use traditional techniques and materials, sensitively preserving the original character and patina that give each antique its individuality.

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