Red Lacquer Zhejiang Wedding Cabinet - 19th Century

A richly patinated, two-part bridal cabinet from Zhejiang, South China, finished in deep cinnabar-red lacquer. Presented as part of a bride’s dowry, wedding cabinets like this balanced generous storage with layers of auspicious meaning—the glowing red surface signalling joy, prosperity and enduring good fortune for the new household.

Delicate hand-painted blossoms and birds enliven the doors, framed by original ironwork: an elegant butterfly-form upper lock plate engraved with bats, a circular lower lockplate for harmony, and fish-form brass latches for abundance. Built in two stacking sections for ease of transport and use, the interior offers shelves and drawers for clothing, textiles and treasured possessions.

• Origin: Zhejiang Province, China
• Date: 19th Century (Qing dynasty)
• Materials: Cypress wood (柏木, bǎimù) with red lacquer; original hand-forged iron and brass fittings
• Construction: Two-part stack; framed-and-panelled doors; interior shelves and drawers
• Decoration: Painted floral sprays and songbirds; butterfly-form hasp with bat engravings; circular lower lockplate; fish-form latches
• Condition: Excellent antique condition with natural craquelure and age-related wear that deepen the surface and character

Symbolism Explained

• Red lacquer (红漆, hóng qī): The wedding colour in China, conveying happiness, vitality, prosperity and protection against misfortune.
• Butterfly (蝴蝶, húdié): A classical emblem of romantic love and joy, wishing a marriage of enduring affection.
• Bats (蝠/福, fú): A homophone for “blessings” (fú), invoking good fortune for the new household.
• Fish (鱼/余, yú): A pun for “surplus” (yú), expressing the wish for abundance year after year—“年年有余”.
• Circular lockplate (合, hé): The round form signifies harmony, completeness and unity between partners and family.
• Bird-and-flower painting (花鸟, huāniǎo): A genre celebrating the joys of domestic life, seasonal renewal and natural beauty—apt blessings for a new marriage.
• References: See Chinese Furniture: A Guide to Collecting Antiques by K Mazurkewich, Fig 535 for a similar example

A fine Zhejiang bridal cabinet in 柏木 (bǎimù) where every motif carries a clear wish for love, prosperity and harmony—an heirloom that unites symbolism and craftsmanship.