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ID #SA1221860
FOR SALE
£3,200
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Antique Chinese Elm Apothecary Chest of 80 Drawers – Shanxi Province, Late 19th / Early 20th Century – Chinese Medicine Cabinet
For sale by Heavenly Antiques
for sale €3,744     $4,064
£3,200

Heavenly Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2026
Browse dealers 81 items
  • About Us
    Specialists in antique furntire and decorative antiques from 17th to the 19th century
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Id #SA1221860
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Antique Chinese Elm Apothecary Chest of 80 Drawers – Shanxi Province, Late 19th / Early 20th Century – Chinese Medicine Cabinet

19th century
Description

An exceptional and authentic late 19th to early 20th century Chinese apothecary chest from Shanxi Province, North China, crafted from solid elm with a beautifully aged, rich patina developed over generations of use.

Originally used by a traditional Chinese herbalist to store medicinal herbs and remedies, this impressive cabinet features 80 small drawers, each retaining its original handwritten Chinese labels and iron ring pulls, together with three full-width storage drawers across the base. The chest displays superb craftsmanship with its robust mortise and tenon construction and is wonderfully heavy, reflecting the quality of the timber.

Today, this striking piece makes a superb statement cabinet for a home, retail space, interior designer, or collector of Asian antiques. It also offers practical storage while retaining its historical character.

Dimensions:

Height: 145 cm

Width: 118 cm

Depth: 49 cm

Condition: Very good antique condition with age-related wear, historic marks, and a deep, rich patina consistent with age and use, enhancing its authenticity and appeal.

Declaration

Heavenly Antiques has dated this Chinese Apothecary Medicine Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1221860
Dealers Notes

Open 6 days a week Tuesday to Saturday 10AM - 5PM and 11AM to 4PM on Sundays

The Cow Shed Collective

Crowmarsh Hill

Crowmarsh Gifford

Wallingford

OX10 8BG

Follow us on Instagram @thecowshedcollective

Follow us on Facebook The Cow Shed Collective

Stocking a wide array of antique furniture and decorative antiques from the 17th century to early 20th century

You can Whatsapp video us to view any piece on either +447882521185 or +7710106462

We accept payment via bank transfer, card or cash

We ship worldwide, for international enquires please whatsapp us in the first instance

Description
An exceptional and authentic late 19th to early 20th century Chinese apothecary chest from Shanxi Province, North China, crafted from solid elm with a beautifully aged, rich patina developed over generations of use.

Originally used by a traditional Chinese herbalist to store medicinal herbs and remedies, this impressive cabinet features 80 small drawers, each retaining its original handwritten Chinese labels and iron ring pulls, together with three full-width storage drawers across the base.

“
The chest displays superb craftsmanship with its robust mortise and tenon construction and is wonderfully heavy, reflecting the quality of the timber.
Heavenly Antiques
fig 1. A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers.
fig 1. Antique Chinese Elm Apothecary Chest of 80 Drawers – Shanxi Province, Late 19th / Early 20th Century – Chinese Medicine Cabinet

Today, this striking piece makes a superb statement cabinet for a home, retail space, interior designer, or collector of Asian antiques. It also offers practical storage while retaining its historical character.

fig 2. A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers.
fig 2. Antique Chinese Elm Apothecary Chest of 80 Drawers – Shanxi Province, Late 19th / Early 20th Century – Chinese Medicine Cabinet

Dimensions:

Height: 145 cm

Width: 118 cm

Depth: 49 cm

Condition: Very good antique condition with age-related wear, historic marks, and a deep, rich patina consistent with age and use, enhancing its authenticity and appeal.

Date of Manufacture

Heavenly Antiques has dated this Chinese Apothecary Medicine Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1221860
Heavenly Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2026

Specialists in antique furntire and decorative antiques from 17th to the 19th century

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Heavenly Antiques Profile Page

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A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers.
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Archive I A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers.

Antique Chinese Elm Apothecary Chest of 80 Drawers – Shanxi Province, Late 19th / Early 20th Century – Chinese Medicine Cabinet

Archive II A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View II
Archive III A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View III
Archive IV A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View IV
Archive V A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View V
Archive VI A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View VI
Archive VII A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View VII
Archive VIII A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View VIII
Archive IX A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View IX
Archive X A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View X
Archive XI A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers. View XI
Enlarged Archival View

Heavenly Antiques
Telephone 01491 905679
Location
The Cow Shed Collective
Crowmarsh Hill
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 8BG
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/heavenlyantiques
Verified Since May 2026
Items For Sale 81
Items Sold 45
Heavenly Antiques
Verified Since May 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: The Cow Shed Collective , Crowmarsh Hill, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BG, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/heavenlyantiques
Verified
May 2026
For Sale
81
Sold
45
A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers.
Antique Chinese Elm Apothecary Chest of 80 Drawers – Shanxi Province, Late 19th / Early 20th Century – Chinese Medicine Cabinet
Ref: SA1221860
A tall dark elm Chinese apothecary chest featuring multiple small drawers inscribed with calligraphic characters above three larger base drawers.
Detail View 1
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Detail View 3
Detail View 4
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectApothecary Cabinets
  • Period19th century
  • StyleChinese Qing Dynasty
  • MaterialElm, Metal, Lacquer
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsMultiple small drawers, Calligraphic character inscriptions, Metal ring pulls, Straight rectangular frame

This Chinese apothecary chest originates from Shanxi Province during the late 19th to early 20th century, following the Qing Dynasty style. Fashioned from solid elm with a dark brown finish, the cabinet displays a rich patina developed over generations of use, along with age-related wear and historic marks. The rectangular frame contains eighty small drawers arranged in ten rows of eight, each fitted with a metal ring pull and handwritten calligraphic character inscriptions, positioned above three larger base drawers equipped with drop handles. It stands on simple bracket feet integrated into the solid construction. Measuring 145 cm high by 118 cm width and 49 cm depth, the substantial chest provides practical storage capacity. It functions well as a statement piece in a study, library, hallway, or living area to hold small collections, keepsakes, or office supplies while retaining its historic character.

FAQs

A Chinese apothecary chest was traditionally used by practitioners of Chinese medicine to organise and store herbs, minerals, and dried roots. Each drawer was divided into sections and labeled with calligraphic script to allow efficient access during remedy preparation.

These cabinets are predominantly constructed using local hardwoods like elm or pine, assembled using complex mortise-and-tenon joinery without metal nails. The surfaces were frequently finished with natural lacquers and fitted with iron or brass ring handles.

Authentic pieces display natural wear around the drawer handles, hand-carved mortise-and-tenon joints, and hand-painted calligraphy labels showing age-related craquelure or fading. The interiors often retain historical marks or lingering herb scents from original use.

A multi-drawer medicine chest acts as a dramatic focal point in an entryway, living room, or hallway. Modern interiors balance its detailed visual texture against neutral backdrops, minimalistic artwork, and contemporary lighting.

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry lint-free cloth and keep the cabinet away from direct sunlight and radiators to prevent wood movement. Avoid chemical cleaners or excessive moisture, using specialised wood wax sparingly if appropriate.
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