Decorative Shanxi Painted Sideboard, 1890s

This eye-catching sideboard produced in the early 1900's was carefully crafted in Shanxi province, noting the elegant fluid profile of the pine spandrels. Featuring faded red lacquer contrasting the vibrant paintings of flowers and vases, time has created a wonderful combination of colors, adding a subtle charm and historic ambiance to any space. Furniture from Shanxi and other parts of China often featured lacquer finishes decorated with flowers to indicate happiness, good luck, and longevity. Additionally, prized personal possessions like bronze vases and vessels were often depicted to afford the owner with a sense of prestige.

The sideboard's configuration of doors and drawers suggests it was used for keeping money or valuables. Below the four upper drawers is a small set of doors on the left side that opens to a single-shelf storage space. The right side has a single, wider drawer, and beneath the drawer is a concealed space where important documents or valuable items were likely stored. Traces of the large circular lock plates, which once secured both sides of the sideboard, remain visible.

Beautifully enriched by a fresh coat of varnish, this is a one-of-a-kind piece with a timelessly unique allure that will provide many years of enjoyment.