Chinese Storage Table in 3 Sections

Lengthy, low trio of boxes in red, each carved with a different creature or scroll.

This storage table in 3 sections is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the mid 19th century. It is lacquered elm wood. Once China slowly opened to visiting diplomats and businessmen, a trickle of antique furniture leaving the country became a flood that lasted through the 1980s, the 1990s and into the early 2000s. Three joined low chests in worn red-brown lacquer with flat lids. The front of each is carved in shallow relief with scrolling and animal motifs. Paint is worn at corners, exposing pale wood. It is 76 inches long, 42 deep and 19 high.

Carved panels, worn corners, and a loyal look.