How to clean japanned cabinet on stand?

Use a soft dry cloth for regular dusting. Japanning is fragile and you shouldn't use water as it degrades the varnish. If the surface looks dull, a light application of microcrystalline wax works well. Apply it sparingly and buff gently to avoid lifting any loose decoration.

I have noticed that some of these cabinets have mirrored doors instead of wood inside, was this an original feature or added later?

Mirrored plates are often original to early eighteenth-century pieces. Glass was expensive then, so fitting it inside a cabinet kept it safe while reflecting light onto the displayed objects. Over time, the silvering on the back of old glass degrades and turns cloudy. Some owners had these replaced in the nineteenth century, but original plates usually show grey spots and an uneven surface.

Fix broken cabinet stand leg?

You need a professional restorer for structural work. The upper cabinet is heavy, and a failing leg risks the entire piece collapsing. The restorer won't usually replace the whole leg. They splice in matched timber, which preserves the finish while restoring the necessary load-bearing strength.

When trying to place one of these in a modern room, do they need to be against a wall or can they stand alone?

They belong against a wall. The back boards are strictly functional and weren't meant to be seen. Placing them flush against a solid wall also provides a much safer centre of gravity.

Home > Cabinets > Cabinet on Stand > Page 17

Antique Cabinet on Stand

← Page 17 of 21 →

An antique cabinet on stand is essentially a decorated storage box raised to eye level on a separate base, originally designed to keep precious items safe while displaying the owner's wealth in a prominent reception room.