Red Lacquer Bedside Cabinet from Shanxi - Early 19thC

Smaller red lacquer side cabinets like this have become difficult to find in China as they are more practical for western homes than their larger wedding cabinet counterparts.

This particular cabinet is in excellent condition and still retains most of the gilt work painted design on the front.

Lacquer cabinets were often given as wedding gifts - usually in pairs. Original pieces were not usually decorated on the sides. Better quality cabinets like this one were made from elm. 

The lacquer is a resin made from the sap of the Rhus verniciflua tree. Lacquer has a long history in Chinese furniture and has been used for over 2000 years.

Red is the most commonly used colour, black is also used, but is much less common.
Other colours such as green, blue, yellow and pink were not used and are only found in modern reproductions.
From China

66.5 x 37.5 x 81 (wxdxh cms)

UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £40
More delivery options available on checkout