Chinese Wardrobe with Pierced-lattice Motif

Doors that are a thicket of interlocking latticework, on a tall cupboard.

This wardrobe with pierced-lattice motif is from Guangdong Province, China, and dates to the early 20th century. It is carved elm wood. During the Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1976, a great deal of antique Chinese furniture was burned, confiscated or scattered, which the article says helped start the scarcity of such pieces. Narrow solid panels run along the bottom. Two doors filled with dense geometric openwork, each centered on a round carved medallion with a small animal. Short legs, a plain top, and a deep chocolate finish with scuffs. It is 28 inches long, 13.75 deep and 53.5 high.

Peering in takes a good eye and some patience.