Chinese Compound Cabinet with 4 Doors

Stacked cabinet doors the color of dark honey, buttoned shut with big round brass plates.

This compound cabinet with 4 doors is from Beijing, China, and dates to the mid 19th century. It is camphor wood. Many Chinese antiques are now returning to China through auction houses and foreign dealers, as Chinese buyers actively purchase older pieces back, which the article describes as reclaiming their heritage. Upper and lower pairs of flat panel doors in rich amber-brown wood, each pair closed by a round brass lock plate. Corner hinges are square, and a carved strip runs along the apron above short legs. It is 61.75 inches long, 21.5 deep and 110 high.

Quietly handsome, with its brass nicely polished.