This excellent 19th century red lacquer sideboard comes from Shanxi Province, China. Red lacquer sideboards of this form are considerably more rare than the black Shanxi sideboards of the Qing dynasty. 

The four doors are decorated with faded scenes of everyday life, painted using traditional mineral pigments, while the surrounding frame features geometric borders and longevity symbols. Further painted decoration along the lower section includes fruit, flowers and birds. Years of use have softened and worn the original decoration, giving the cabinet a particularly attractive patina.

Made from northern elm (yumu, 榆木), the cabinet retains its original brass lock plates and fittings. Inside, the four doors open to two generous storage compartments, each fitted with a shelf.

Cabinets of this form were a familiar feature of homes in Shanxi during the Ming and Qing dynasties. They were often used as altar cabinets, with incense and offerings placed on the top and an ancestor portrait traditionally displayed above.

• Origin: Shanxi Province, China
• Date: 19th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
• Materials: Northern elm (yumu, 榆木), lacquer, mineral pigments and brass
• Features: Original red lacquer; black lacquered top and sides; painted scenes of everyday life; longevity and geometric motifs; painted birds, fruit and flowers; four doors; two shelved compartments; original brass hardware
• Condition: Good antique condition with expected wear, fading and losses to the original lacquer and painted decoration consistent with age and use
• Dimensions: W126 x D45 x H88 cm
• Weight: 40 kg