Chinese Storage and Apothecary Cabinet with 18 Drawers

Black lacquer and a double column of drawers, all with matching brass pulls.

This storage and apothecary cabinet with 18 drawers is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. It is lacquered 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. Wide chest in glossy black with two vertical rows of shallow drawers, each fitted with a small curved brass handle. Square-cut feet with inward curls lift it off the floor. The finish shows slight scuffing at the edges. It is 44.75 inches long, 16.25 deep and 42 high.

A serious cabinet with a very tidy filing system.