Shaanxi, circa 1800

This striking cabinet is from the central province of Shaanxi and made from elm. The style, with ornate relief carvings on the drawers and carved spandrels at each side that taper down to the feet, is typical of furniture from the region. Two small doors sit centrally within rounded frames, mounted on wooden dowels. The thick elm cabinet top extends over the rounded side frames. As well as the two large drawers, which are beautifully decorated with a carved floral pattern and set with the original metal studs, there are also two smaller drawers at either side. The spandrels are also decorated with stylised dragons in light relief carving. The colour is original – the dark lacquer now worn particularly around the feet and lower apron. There is a single shelf inside.