Top Portion of Literati Compound Cabinet on Newly Made Horsehoof Stand

Shanxi Province, late C18th/early C19th

Dimensions: W:88.50 D:55 H:103 (cm)
Reference: TR292.B

£3,200

  • Description

    This well-preserved cabinet with an original painted narrative of elite Chinese courtyard life could be used as an exceptional drinks cabinet, or other placements in contemporary interiors.

    Originally this was the removable top portion of a high compound cabinet, but when found the larger base was not salvageable.

    A newly made black lacquered horse hoof stand with gooseneck braces was designed and hand made to provide an elegant base to enable this rare cabinet to be repurposed. The metal ware is new.

    The doors with original lacquer served as a canvas for painting wonderful architecture of the Chinese courtyard house framed behind by large trees. The overall imagery captures an idealised scene from the lifestyle of prominent officials.

    Remnants of painted flowers are visible on the sides and the top of the cabinet. The peony was regarded as a symbol of China itself from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) onwards, representing prosperity, elegance, and happiness.

  • Print

…exceptional imagery of an idyllic life…

  • 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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