Dongbei, circa 1880

This unusual sideboard is from the northeast (Dongbei) region of China, in a distinctive design that incorporates painted tiles inset into the frames of the doors and lower apron. The beautiful tiles show various flowers, birds and butterflies, all symbols in China for long life, good luck and prosperity. The pinks, greens, yellows and reds against the smooth white surface create a wonderful contrast with the soft tones of the surrounding poplar wood. The two outer doors would once have been fixed panels but have been converted for more practical access to the inside.

As well as being used for storage, the sideboard would have doubled in its original home as an altar, holding offerings to ancestors on its surface and placed below paintings of family members. Today it would make a unique storage cabinet or dining room sideboard, with the pretty pastel colours helping to lift any interior.