Description
About
This classic Chinese historic four-door, three-drawer sideboard was originally crafted as a wedding cabinet for a newly wedded couple. During its careful restoration, the piece was relacquered while preserving its exquisite original burgundy red tone, the delicately worn golden line drawings on the front, and the authentic tung oil finish on the top surface. Each of these pieces is unique and one only.
Originating from Manchuria, China, this antique was traditionally known as a “Kang Piano”—a type of furniture placed atop the Kang, a large heated brick bed common in northern Chinese homes. The Kang Piano remained a cherished and essential household piece in Manchuria for over two thousand years, before its production ceased in the mid-20th century due to modernisation and cultural shifts.
In ancient times, Kang Pianos were typically handcrafted from solid wood, featuring minimal carving and emphasising the natural grain of the material. Around 300 years ago, painted decoration was introduced, often created by folk artists who would stay with families for several weeks to paint customised motifs and blessings onto each piece.
This antique Chinese red lacquer sideboard features intricate hand-painted motifs on its doors and frames, each imbued with deep cultural and symbolic meaning rooted in traditional Chinese art. These delicate golden line drawings were often created to express blessings, prosperity, fertility and harmony, especially when made for auspicious occasions such as weddings or new household beginnings.
The floral and natural motifs seen across the panels symbolise life, abundance, and virtue:
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Peonies (牡丹, Mǔdān) — Known as the “king of flowers,” the peony represents wealth, beauty, and honor. It is often painted on wedding furniture to bless the couple with prosperity and a flourishing household.
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Lotus flowers (荷花, Héhuā) — The lotus symbolises purity, harmony, and spiritual growth, as it rises gracefully from muddy waters unstained. It also conveys marital harmony and moral integrity.
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Bamboo (竹, Zhú) — A classic motif representing resilience, integrity, and longevity, bamboo bends but does not break, reflecting the virtues of strength and grace under pressure.
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Vines and scrolling tendrils — These continuous, interwoven designs represent endless blessings, continuity, and the intertwining of two lives in harmony.
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Border patterns, often with stylised geometric or floral designs, form a protective and auspicious frame, symbolising unity and safeguarding the blessings within.
Overall, the painted imagery on this piece weaves together themes of love, longevity, prosperity, and resilience, reflecting traditional Chinese hopes for a balanced and prosperous life. The deep burgundy red lacquer, long associated with joy and celebration, further amplifies the symbolic richness of the artwork, making this sideboard not just a piece of furniture, but a vessel of enduring cultural meaning.
Country of Origin
c.1910 Manchuria, China
Dimensions
Width 157cm x Depth 40cm x Height 94cm
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
Goods will usually be dispatched within 5 working days after the payment has been received
Delivery Cost within mainland UK – £60.00
Due to the size and weight of this item, it is dispatched using our bespoke furniture courier service, delivered on a mutually convenient day. Please contact us at info@nookdeco.co.uk for the delivery arrangement
