Pair Of Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Cabinets – Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

Pair of Chinese Coromandel lacquer cabinets – Qing Dynasty, 19th century

A rare and elegant pair of Chinese Coromandel lacquer cabinets, dating from the Qing Dynasty (19th century).

Resting on carved legs, these cabinets feature remarkable engraved and polychrome decoration on a blackened-brown background, executed entirely using the traditional engraved lacquer (Kuancai) technique.

The fronts are adorned with expansive, lively compositions depicting rich palace architecture, gardens, pavilions, bridges, court figures, and lakeside landscapes, in a profusion of exquisitely fine details. The scenes draw on traditional Chinese iconography illustrating the lives of scholars and the imperial aristocracy.

The sides are decorated with reserved areas featuring refined floral compositions accompanied by birds, bamboo, rocks, and symbolic plants, executed with great delicacy.

The interior, entirely lacquered in reddish-brown, consists of storage shelves offering ample storage capacity.

This pair is distinguished by:

• remarkable engraving quality;
• rich polychromy that is still well-preserved;
• extremely detailed decoration;
• beautiful depth of the lacquer;
• a sound structure;
• an authentic 19th-century patina.

The visible signs of wear, consistent with the age of these pieces, fully contribute to their authenticity and charm.

These cabinets were intended for a wealthy clientele and attest to the refinement of Chinese workshops specializing in high-quality export furniture.

A very beautiful decorative pair that would fit perfectly into a classic or contemporary interior.