Gansu, circa 1890

This sideboard is quite typical of the grain chests that were used in the eastern part of China’s Gansu province, with creams and reds on the doors contrasting with the outer frames in black. Chests like this would be made normally from pine or, as in this case, poplar wood. This one dates from the end of the nineteenth century and today would make a highly attractive dining sideboard or storage unit. When it was first made the front panels would have been fixed, with the inside of the chest accessed through removable wooden boards in the top. These have been sealed and the front panels converted into doors to create a more practical sideboard, with removable shelves fitted inside.

The square shaped painted sections on the doors show vases of flowers and other valued personal items picked out against the cream background. This was a typical theme used for decorating this kind of storage chest and was designed to show the wealth and importance of the owner. Here the lower panels are carved to add a further flourish to the design. The lacquer on these carved sections, once also in a bright red, has worn to the paler wood, as has the black lacquer around the feet. The black lacquer finish on the top surface is still largely intact, though marked and worn with years of use to create a unique character.