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GCN_8243-Chest5c
gcn_8245

HOLD - SALE PRICE £375 (was £475) - Opera Chest

Shanxi Province Late C19th/ early C20th

Dimensions: W:88 D:55 H:60 (cm)
Reference: C348C

£375

44 1242 639237
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  • Description

    How wonderful to have a Chinese antique painted storage chest, known as an opera chest as has often been said that these types of chests stored props and costumes for the travelling opera companies in Shanxi province.

    With regards to provenance, this noted chest is in the classic construction and design of similar chests from the C19th Shanxi Province in northern China.  This chest has the traditional painting layout with scene surrounded by flowers and still has the original metal ware for this type of chest. The painting has been sympathetically restored over time.

    This style of chest from Shanxi Province has been called opera chest due to a majority of this style of chest to have opera scene decorations, however, the chest may not necessarily been used in the storing of opera materials. There is an interesting background story to these chests.

    Their construction is from paulownia wood and often these trees were planted in celebration of a daughter’s birth and symbol of good health and prosperity and later when the daughter would be getting married furniture would be made from the mature tree and included in her dowry as symbol of happy marriage and this furniture could be a decorated chest with an opera scene.

    This intriguing and practical chest can be used as a decorative and functional storage chest with its table like surface for books, photos and decorative items.

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…an intriguing decorative and practical Chinese antique chest for interiors….

  • 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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