Chinese Cabinet with 2 Doors, Bird & Floral Motifs

Black chest with painted ducks, lotus and peonies, and a small round lock.

This cabinet with 2 doors, bird & floral motifs is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is lacquered & painted 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. A round lock plate sits at the center seam, and a base strip carries red painted bands. Two doors painted with red peonies, green leaves and little birds on a dark ground, framed by a decorated border. The finish is chipped. It is 42 inches long, 19.5 deep and 32.5 high.

Cheerful garden, serious cabinet, and a very good party trick.