Shanxi circa 1900

This elegant cabinet, originating from Shanxi province in central China, features a classic ’round cornered’ style with rounded frames that extend to the legs and taper upwards to fit into the overhanging top. The door panels are set within similar rounded frames that use wooden dowels to slot into the horizontal frames above and below. This design eliminates the need for external metal hinges and creates a simple and pure aesthetic. The central post between the doors is a stylistic element often seen in later Chinese furniture and can be removed for easier access to the interior. The upper shelf is removable and sits above a fixed shelf with two shallow inset drawers. The cabinet’s original lacquered finish has been stripped to showcase the natural, pale elm wood, with its beautiful patterned grain on the doors. The old, dark iron hardware is adorned with simple ring handles. Originally used to store clothing and personal items, the cabinet would be ideal today for bedroom storage, as a kitchen cabinet or for storage in a living room, with a pure, pared back look that would fit easily into any space.