Chinoiserie Storage Cabinet
These chinoiserie storage cabinets bring striking oriental lacquer and intricate decoration to any room.
Chinoiserie Storage Cabinet
A chinoiserie storage cabinet combines practical utility with decorative oriental motifs, appearing across various forms including side cupboards, marriage cabinets, and cocktail cabinets. Buyers seeking a chinoiserie storage cabinet will encounter pieces ranging from compact bedside lamp units to substantial tall storage chests.
The selection on this page spans several centuries, touching upon Georgian and Edwardian examples alongside pieces from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Red and black lacquer finishes dominate, often decorated with birds, flowers, and traditional figures.
Stand arrangements vary, with certain cabinets raised on carved wooden bases or stands while others sit directly on the floor as sideboards and commodes. Side cabinets and smaller cupboards offer versatile placement within modern or traditional interiors.
Assessing Quality
Quality rests in the depth and preservation of the lacquer work, alongside the fineness of the painted and gilt decoration depicting traditional scenes. Cabinets retaining crisp surface detail and original stands demonstrate superior craftsmanship.
The integrity of the timber framework and the stability of doors and stands dictate the structural merit of each piece. Finer examples show careful alignment of brass hardware and balanced proportions across the cabinet body.
Among the red and black lacquer finishes, several cupboards are specifically designated as marriage or wedding cabinets.
Mercier Frères
The Chinoiserie Storage Cabinet Glossary
- Chinoiserie
- European decorative style reflecting Chinese artistic influences, popular in furniture and interior design.
- Japanning
- European imitation of East Asian lacquer work, building up layers of varnish decorated with gold motifs.
- Commode
- Low decorative chest of drawers or cabinet with doors, functioning as a side cabinet.
- Cocktail Cabinet
- Specialised storage unit designed for entertaining, housing glassware and drinks.
Chinoiserie Storage Cabinet: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chinoiserie cabinet?
A chinoiserie cabinet is a storage piece decorated with European interpretations of East Asian art, typically featuring lacquered surfaces and painted motifs.
These cabinets serve as focal points in a room while providing enclosed shelving or hanging space.
How do I clean a lacquered cabinet?
Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry cloth to prevent scratching the delicate lacquer and gilt details.
Avoid using harsh chemical polishes or water, which can damage the historic finish over time.
Where should I place a side cabinet?
Side cabinets suit hallways, living rooms, and dining spaces where surface display and concealed storage are both useful.
Ensure the piece sits away from direct sunlight to protect the coloured lacquer from fading.
How can I date an antique cabinet?
Examine the timber construction, hardware fixings, and style of the legs or stand to determine the period of origin.
Materials like pine and brass combined with specific lacquer techniques offer clues to whether a piece is Georgian, Edwardian, or twentieth century.