Blue High Lacquer 1 Drawer & 2 Door Cabinet

Description

About

This is an exquisite late Qing Dynasty (c. 1870–1910) altar or scholar’s cabinet from Shanxi province, restored to museum-grade standards. It demonstrates the northern Chinese “blue-over-red” lacquer tradition, which has a rare and prestigious finish reserved for high-status households’ use. The restoration masterfully preserves the original cobalt-blue lacquer while reinforcing structural integrity, making it both a functional heirloom and a striking decorative statement.

• • • • • Features:
          • Joinery: Classic mortise-and-tenon with dovetail reinforcements at stress points; no nails. Restored with period-accurate hide glue and micro-dowel stabilisation.
          • Hardware: Hand-forged white brass (baitong) fittings—round medallion lock, butterfly hinges, and cloud-head pulls—all cleaned and re-patinated.
          • Narrow form cabinet (xianggui) with everted flanges —hallmarks of Shanxi scholar furniture.
          • Upper Section: Single horizontal drawer with recessed panel.
          • Lower Section: Double doors with raised fielded panels, opening to a shelved interior (originally for incense, scrolls..).
          • Carved Central Panel: The focal point—a deeply carved panel under the lower doors.
             The Chinese symbolic meanings of the carved pattern are:
             Centre： Shou（壽）character in cursive script – Longevity
             Both Sides: Two Pixius flanking the character 壽, facing inward toward the Longivity character.

                                         left: Male Pixiu (single horn): Curved single horn pointing forward, open mouth, dragon-like                                                        head, curled mane, front paw raised
                                         Right: Female Pixiu (tiny double horns): Smoother head, open mouth, same curled mane and                                                         paw
                     Meaning:  “雙貔貅守壽” (Shuāng píxiū shǒu shòu) “A pair of Pixiu guarding Longevity”
                                           Pixiu = mythical beasts that eat gold/silver but never excrete → attract and keep wealth.
                                           Pair = one male (attracts wealth), one female (keeps wealth).
                                           Guarding the Longivity character = “May wealth and longevity be protected forever”.

      • • • This is an extremely rare and high-status combination found only on top-tier Shanxi cabinets made for a birthday gift of a wealthy merchant or official.  This single detail alone confirms the cabinet is museum-level museum-quality Shanxi craftsmanship (c. 1870–1890).

       

      Country of Origin
      c. pre-1900 Xi’an, China

      Dimensions
      Width 71cm x Depth 41cm x Height 85cm

      Materials
      Solid wood

      Care Instructions
      Clean with a soft cloth
      Keep away from heat sources or direct sunlight

      Delivery Details
      You are always welcome to come to pick the goods up at our store or our warehouse in Bristol free of charge

      Goods will usually be dispatched within 3 working days after the payment has been received
      Delivery Cost within mainland UK- £30.00

      We deliver our goods internationally. Please email us at info@nookdeco.co.uk with your enquires.