Sale Price £6,750 (was £7,500) - Large Painted Cabinet with Idyllic Scenes

Shanxi Province, C19th

Dimensions: W:121 D:55 H:189 (cm)
Reference: C334

£6,750

  • Description

    A remarkable cabinet with painted scenes of an idyllic,  cultured rural lifestyle, replete with symbolism that accentuates and emphasises learning. This piece is an historic visual aesthetic for prominent placement in interiors.

    The painted books and scrolls, together with scenes of figures enjoying the privileges of life in a grand courtyard home enjoying the wonders of nature, are symbolic of Confucian ideals of peacefulness and harmony, and emphasise the cultural imperative of learning and wisdom.

    While the intellectual literati elite strived for the ideal in learning , it was aspired to by the wealthy merchant families of Shanxi.

    The intriguing paintings utilise the front surface of the cabinet as a canvas and is designed to convey the aspirations of the privileged class. And in construction, the cabinet itself is square edged and impressive with its muscularity and size.

    The original black lacquer and painting has acquired the natural signs of aging and over time some repairs have been made to the lacquer and painting.

    Structurally there is no central stile between the doors, allowing for ease of storage for all types of items.

  • Print

…painted tableau flows in a narrative, portraying idyllic rural scenes…

  • Rare genuine antiques
  • Highly appreciated sympathetic restoration
  • International delivery available
  • Over many years I have found Sharon’s treasure trove of Chinese furniture a wonderful insight into China’s history and heritage. Each piece tells a story of bygone days and I only wish I had more space to accommodate even more items.

    Lou Tabor
  • We are absolutely delighted with the our tall red lacquered leather Chinese hat-box we purchased from Sharon Fitzsimmons. We were looking for an interesting and unusual piece, and this absolutely fits the brief. The quality, colour and size are perfect for our needs, both in appearance and as a useful side-table. Not only that, but we have an interesting talking point for our guests!

    Peter and Joanna Ruddock
  • I have a modern house and the clean lines of antique Chinese furniture suit it very well. The occasional red lacquer piece looks striking, such as a coffer I use as a sideboard in my dining area. I particularly love a pair of narrow, columnar walnut Gansu cabinets and I think they will enhance a contemporary walnut dining table I am awaiting delivery. I like the visual interest of old wood and mixing old and new adds character to a decor.

    Tina MacFarlane
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Why Choose a Piece from the Collection

We have a rigorous selection criteria that every late Qing Dysnasty (1644-1911) piece must meet: authenticity, rarity, originality, function and fine craftsmanship. The provenance varies but is mostly Shanxi Province, a region renowned for Qing furniture. We offer diversity, and styles range from classical to vernacular. Over the many years the true testimony of our selection process is that customers are more than satisfied, and are often repeat buyers, as pieces are consistently proven to enhance interiors.

Restoration as Conservation of Antiques

Dedicated singlemindedness in carefully and painstakingly restoring every single antique, simple or complex, has resulted in a sympathetic conservation of antiques, pleasingly meeting customers satisfaction. Our restorers have an understanding of the original craftsman’s skills such as joinery, lacquering, carving, painting and other age old carpentry ways. Each restoration is done by experienced and skilled craftsmen with great attention to detail. On completion each piece is a stand alone form, with presence, integrity and artistic personality.

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