Shanxi, circa 1900

This stunning cabinet is beautifully crafted and finished with intricate gold motifs over the lacquered red finish. The rich, deep red would add a luxurious pop of colour to any space and the cabinet’s proportions make it very versatile for storage in a bedroom, living room or hallway.

The Chinese view the colours of red and gold as being lucky and so they were often used together to finish and decorate furniture, particularly in Shanxi province where this cabinet originated. Gold leaf was applied over a darker painted base, built up to show wonderful designs of landscapes, flowers or scenes from Chinese legend. The doors on this cabinet feature simple landscapes, with a floral design on the panel below. The gold has worn away in places but the various trees and mountains depicted can still be seen. The rectangular brass hardware on the doors is also in a golden colour that perfectly matches the decoration.

Made from pine, the construction is quite typical of Shanxi furniture, with a thick overhanging top and frame and panels. The doors slot into the cabinet frames above and below on wooden dowels rather than being fitted on metal hinges, giving a larger canvas for the paintings. The top of the cabinet is finished in black lacquer to contrast with the front and there is a single removable shelf inside.