Red Lacquer Wedding Cabinet From Shanxi - 19thC Green Porcelain traditional Tibetan scrollwork borders

traditional Tibetan scrollwork borders

They were used in stone Havelis - the stylish homes of the more wealthy traders

5 x 2 x 20

some of which are remaining

These side tables are made from red elm (zelkova) which is known in China as 'jumu' or 'southern elm

Red Lacquer Wedding Cabinet From Shanxi - 19thC Green Porcelain traditional Tibetan scrollwork bordersLacquer 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. This lacquer cabinet come mostly from Shanxi Provinces. This cabinet is made from elm Red is the most commonly used colour,