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Large Painted Literati Cabinet

Shanxi Province, C19th

Dimensions: W:77.5 D:53 H:191 (cm)
Reference: C277

£7,950

44 1242 639237
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  • Description

    A grand decorative cabinet with intriguing painting illustrating preparations for an opera.  The remarkable historical tableau unfolds in front of our eyes and therefore is a rare heirloom full of symbolism.

    The lacquered door surfaces are used as a canvas to paint a narrative scene portraying the exciting and interesting ceremonial lifestyle of Chinese officials and villagers prior to an opera.  Villagers arrive with gifts for Chinese officials.  A wonderful elephant to the lower right makes a grand entrance

    Opera performances were of cultural significance in Shanxi in the late Qing Dynasty of which this cabinet is dated. As knowledge was a basis for one’s position, the painted scrolls and books are symbolic of education and high office. Wealthy merchants, particularly in Shanxi, also sought to aspire to the status of the scholar, suggesting this cabinet could also have been commissioned by a merchant or a scholar.

    The patina is consistent with age with faded painting and the lacquer has begun to shift and chip but the artisan’s overall painted narrative remains clear, and is wonderfully offset with black lacquer background.

    Careful examination of the carvings at the bottom of the cabinet reveal fortuitous dragons and the idealised character for douple happiness

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… the artisan’s original and extraordinary painted narrative remains clear, a rare find…

  • 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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