Red & Black Lacquer Sideboard From Shanxi - Early 18th Century

This striking Shanxi sideboard has its original red & black lacquer dating from the early 18th century. This design was classic of the Ming & Qing dynasties and the doors would have originally been gilt with scenes of everyday life or precious objects. Some remnants of the gilt work remain.

Much of this painting has worn away, but there is still the original brass hardware. Given it's considerable age and regular use, the brass fittings have worn so much that 10mm spaces have been added to the hinges. Much antique brass and iron hardware from furniture was robbed and melted down during Chairman Mao's cultural revolution.   

Shanxi sideboards were usually made from locally sourced wood, normally Elm, Poplar, or Pine. These cabinets were used as altar cabinets for family ancestor worship.

References:

A similar sideboard (later and with considerable repainting and a replaced bottom apron) can be found in 'Chinese Furniture' by Mazurkewich - Fig 317.

From Shanxi province, China.

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