Gilt Black Lacquer Chinese Export Jewellery Cabinet - Early 19thC

This exceptional Chinese export cabinet is one of the highest quality pieces of Canton Chinoiserie in existence. It is debatably as good as and perhaps better than many of the pieces in the Peabody Essex Museum, the leading museum for Canton chinoiserie ware. 

The craftsmanship is excellent with almost no wear. Our team carried out minimal repairs to the corners which are near invisible. The exterior shows scenes of daily life in China and upon opening the doors, children dressed as dragons can be seen parading through the streets. Even the tops of the drawers are covered in gilt work. 

This gilt work would have been done using the maki-e technique which was perfected in Japan. This technique involves sprinkling of pure gold dust onto urushi lacquer as it dries. An incredibly sophisticated and advanced technique. 

These black lacquer Chinese chinoiserie cabinets were made for export to wealthy American & British Georgian aristocracy in the Qing dynasty. This intricate and detailed work was made for export to Britain when Chinoiserie was all the rage in the early 19th century. Black lacquer export sewing kits, games boxes, tea caddies, platters & games boards were also made.

These pieces are fragile pieces of history and are usually found damaged. This jewellery cabinet has been checked over in our workshop and small restorations made to stop the aging process.

Made for export to Britain in the early 19th century when Chinoiserie was all the rage.

From Canton, China

46 x 25.5 x 53 (wxdxh cms)

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