Chinese Wardrobe with 2 Lattice Doors

A cabinet whose doors are dense little spindle grids, finished with shiny brass hardware.

This wardrobe with 2 lattice doors is from Henan Province, China, and dates to the late 18th or early 19th century. It is lacquered elm 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. Two tall doors made of closely set wooden spindles in a fine grid, with pale metal corner hinges and a central lock plate. The frame is dark and rubbed at the edges. Four square legs lift it from the floor. It is 42 inches long, 20.5 deep and 76 high.

Peekaboo carpentry, executed with real patience.