Painted Sideboard From Qinghai - 19th Century
This beautiful 19th century painted sideboard originates from Qinghai Province, China, where it was traditionally used by local families for storing clothing, grain and other household possessions. Finished in its original richly aged red lacquer, the cabinet retains a remarkable painted façade depicting scenes of scholarly life and traditional symbolism. The three hand-painted panels portray a scholar at his desk, a still life of scholarly objects and a figure working in a garden landscape, each accompanied by Chinese calligraphy. Together, these decorative motifs represent wisdom, learning, prosperity and the virtues associated with the scholar-gentleman in Chinese culture. The text reads "At the time, in a Jiazi year, in the Qinghe month", Jiazi being the first year of the Chinese 60 year cycle meaning this cabinet was painted in late spring / early summer of 1864.
Originally, this cabinet would have functioned as a traditional storage chest, accessed from the top by a hinged hatch. It has been converted with front-opening doors, making it considerably more practical for modern use while preserving its original painted decoration and character. Cabinets of this type were also commonly used as family altar cabinets, housing ancestral tablets and offerings within the home.
Inside, the cabinet is divided into three spacious compartments, each fitted with its own shelf, providing generous and practical storage. The beautifully worn painted finish, softened by decades of use, gives the piece exceptional warmth and authenticity, making it equally suited to traditional interiors or as a striking statement piece within a contemporary setting.
- Origin: Qinghai Province, China
- Date: 19th Century (likely 1864)
- Materials: Elm, pine and poplar with Original Polychrome Painted Finish
- Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear, surface losses, fading and patination to the original painted finish, all consistent with its age and long history of use.
- Dimensions: W241 x D45 x H90 cm
- Weight: 87kg
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Painted Sideboard From Qinghai - 19th Century
Painted Sideboard From Qinghai - 19th Century
This beautiful 19th century painted sideboard originates from Qinghai Province, China, where it was traditionally used by local families for storing clothing, grain and other household possessions. Finished in its original richly aged red lacquer, the cabinet retains a remarkable painted façade depicting scenes of scholarly life and traditional symbolism. The three hand-painted panels portray a scholar at his desk, a still life of scholarly objects and a figure working in a garden landscape, each accompanied by Chinese calligraphy. Together, these decorative motifs represent wisdom, learning, prosperity and the virtues associated with the scholar-gentleman in Chinese culture. The text reads "At the time, in a Jiazi year, in the Qinghe month", Jiazi being the first year of the Chinese 60 year cycle meaning this cabinet was painted in late spring / early summer of 1864.
Originally, this cabinet would have functioned as a traditional storage chest, accessed from the top by a hinged hatch. It has been converted with front-opening doors, making it considerably more practical for modern use while preserving its original painted decoration and character. Cabinets of this type were also commonly used as family altar cabinets, housing ancestral tablets and offerings within the home.
Inside, the cabinet is divided into three spacious compartments, each fitted with its own shelf, providing generous and practical storage. The beautifully worn painted finish, softened by decades of use, gives the piece exceptional warmth and authenticity, making it equally suited to traditional interiors or as a striking statement piece within a contemporary setting.
- Origin: Qinghai Province, China
- Date: 19th Century (likely 1864)
- Materials: Elm, pine and poplar with Original Polychrome Painted Finish
- Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear, surface losses, fading and patination to the original painted finish, all consistent with its age and long history of use.
- Dimensions: W241 x D45 x H90 cm
- Weight: 87kg
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
This beautiful 19th century painted sideboard originates from Qinghai Province, China, where it was traditionally used by local families for storing clothing, grain and other household possessions. Finished in its original richly aged red lacquer, the cabinet retains a remarkable painted façade depicting scenes of scholarly life and traditional symbolism. The three hand-painted panels portray a scholar at his desk, a still life of scholarly objects and a figure working in a garden landscape, each accompanied by Chinese calligraphy. Together, these decorative motifs represent wisdom, learning, prosperity and the virtues associated with the scholar-gentleman in Chinese culture. The text reads "At the time, in a Jiazi year, in the Qinghe month", Jiazi being the first year of the Chinese 60 year cycle meaning this cabinet was painted in late spring / early summer of 1864.
Originally, this cabinet would have functioned as a traditional storage chest, accessed from the top by a hinged hatch. It has been converted with front-opening doors, making it considerably more practical for modern use while preserving its original painted decoration and character. Cabinets of this type were also commonly used as family altar cabinets, housing ancestral tablets and offerings within the home.
Inside, the cabinet is divided into three spacious compartments, each fitted with its own shelf, providing generous and practical storage. The beautifully worn painted finish, softened by decades of use, gives the piece exceptional warmth and authenticity, making it equally suited to traditional interiors or as a striking statement piece within a contemporary setting.
- Origin: Qinghai Province, China
- Date: 19th Century (likely 1864)
- Materials: Elm, pine and poplar with Original Polychrome Painted Finish
- Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear, surface losses, fading and patination to the original painted finish, all consistent with its age and long history of use.
- Dimensions: W241 x D45 x H90 cm
- Weight: 87kg
