Shaanxi, circa 1860

This wonderful old cabinet would have been used to store valuables and personal possessions, with the metal fixings over the drawers and doors enabling it to be secured. It was produced in Shaanxi province in northern China and the distinctive style, with ornate carvings and with doors and panels set within thick, rounded frames, is typical of furniture from the region. The colour and finish are original – once bright red panels now worn and softened, with black frames and an extended top surface. The main, single drawer is beautifully decorated with relief carvings of flowers and leaves. The front spandrels taper down to the cabinet’s feet and are also in carved relief, showing long, intertwining dragons. Traces of paintings on the door panels, each in a circular format, can still be seen. The original, worn finish gives the cabinet huge character and it would bring a real sense of history into any setting.