This dramatic antique Chinese black lacquer wedding cabinet features the less common technique of darkened silver leaf over the traditional gold maki-e technique. This is achieved using a dark varnish layered over silver designs. 

The design features swooping kingfishers and doves over blossoming chrysanthemums & hibiscus flowers. This is framed by a trailing floral design. The black lacquer surface is worn with age. Our restoration team has carefully consolidated and conserved the lacquer to avoid any further aging. 

This style of cabinet is known as a wedding cabinet and this particular piece is from a provincial area in Shanxi, Northern China. It is constructed from elm wood and the three shelves are modern replacements. The brass lock plate is original. 

Lacquer cabinets were often given as wedding gifts - usually in pairs. Original pieces like this were not usually decorated on the sides and the better quality lacquer cabinets used elm wood. 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. Black lacquer is less commonly used than burgundy and red lacquers. Other colours such as green, blue, yellow and pink were not used and are only found in modern reproductions.

Please check the dimensions and measure the access to your home carefully before purchasing. Please get in touch if you require assistance with this and our trained team will guide you through your options.

Dimensions:

135 x 48 x 200 (wxdxh cms)

Condition:

In excellent condition for its age. All lacquer and painting has been consolidated to stop further deterioration. The shelves have been replaced. 

From China

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