Beautiful Chinese Elm Marriage Cabinet Chest Circa 1870

A beautiful black lacquered Elm cabinet/chest with original painting - from Shanxi Province circa 1880

Lacquer cabinets were often given as wedding gifts - usually in pairs. Original pieces were not usually decorated on the sides. Better quality cabinets were made from Elm. The lacquer is a resin made from the sap of the Rhus verniciflua tree. Lacquer has a long history in Chinese furniture and has been used for over 2000 years. Probably from the Shanxi & Gansu Provinces. Red is the most commonly used colour, black is also used, but is much less common. The lacquer is usually decorated with coloured lacquer designs and gold leaf. A stunning piece of furniture 

As a genuine antique there is wear and use commensurate with age. Some wooden products may have signs of historic woodworm. As a precaution we apply a clear triple action woodworm treatment that also kills wet rot, dry rot and woodworm. Please look at all the images carefully and ask any questions pre purchase as we do not unfortunately offer refunds due to the size and shipping costs of our antiques/items.  All our items are available on line at Search & Rescued and other online stores.