Painted Sideboard From Mongolia - 19th Century

This antique Mongolian sideboard was used for storing clothing and grain by the nomadic people of Mongolia & Northern Shanxi in the 19th century. The door panels exhibit various social scenes framed in a deep blue border, and the drawers have various delicate paintwork inspired by nature. The frame of the sideboard is a vibrant red which has worn away in places, leaving a pleasing 'distressed' look. 

These sideboards were also used as altar cabinets for family ancestor worship. The front doors have been modified from the original closed front to make it more functional. It would have originally opened from the top by a hatch.

This sideboard's doors open to reveal two compartments separated by a removable shelf.