Lacquered Drinks Cabinet
A lacquered drinks cabinet brings high-gloss Chinoiserie ornament and fitted storage for glassware into a room, made for entertaining.
Lacquered Drinks Cabinet
When you search for a lacquered drinks cabinet, you enter a field dominated by Chinoiserie decoration and Art Deco cocktail bars. The examples seen on this page span the 18th century, the 19th century, and the 20th century, including Edwardian iterations and pieces from around 1930. Forms range from side cabinets and sideboards to cabinets on stands and dedicated cocktail bars.
The most common formats on this page are upright cocktail cabinets and cabinets on stands decorated with black lacquer, red lacquer, or green lacquer. Many incorporate gilt or gold leaf to highlight the intricate figures and landscapes characteristic of the style.
How they were made
Wood and timber form the underlying structure of these cabinets, finished with layers of lacquer to create a deep, glossy surface. Artisans applied gold leaf, brass mounts, and metal hardware to accentuate the painted motifs.
Many 20th-century pieces utilise specialised timbers like blonde maple paired with black lacquer, while earlier examples rely on traditional Japanning techniques and gilt decoration on wood.
Lacquered Drinks Cabinet Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for lacquered drinks cabinet among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings include pieces from the 18th century, 19th century, Edwardian era, and the 1930s, utilising black, red, and green lacquer.
What varies in quality
The distinction between ordinary and exceptional pieces lies in the depth of the lacquer work and the sophistication of the hand-painted Chinoiserie scenes. Superior examples display crisp detail in the gold leaf and meticulous execution of figures and landscapes.
Another measure of quality is the interior setup and structural harmony of the piece, such as original glass tops or well-fitted stands that complement the main cabinet body.
H and L Epstein
The Lacquered Drinks Cabinet Glossary
- Chinoiserie
- European decorative art influenced by Chinese artistic traditions, featuring hand-painted motifs of figures, pavilions, and landscapes.
- Japanning
- A European imitation of East Asian lacquerwork, created by applying layers of varnish and heat-drying.
- Cocktail cabinet
- A specialised storage unit designed specifically for holding bottles, glassware, and mixing equipment for drinks.
- Cabinet on stand
- A freestanding storage cabinet raised upon a distinct supporting frame or legs.
- Side cabinet
- A low storage unit intended to stand against a wall in a dining or living space.
Lacquered Drinks Cabinet: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lacquered drinks cabinet?
A lacquered drinks cabinet is a specialised storage furniture piece finished with high-gloss resin or varnish and decorated with painted motifs, designed to house bottles and glassware.
These pieces often feature specialised internal compartments for mixing drinks and serving cocktails.
How do I date a lacquer cabinet?
Dating relies on stylistic clues, hardware, and construction methods, ranging from 18th-century Japanned finishes to 1930s Art Deco blonde maple and black lacquer combinations.
Examining the underlying timber and the specific technique used for the lacquer layers provides further clues to the period.
Where should I place a cocktail cabinet?
These cabinets work well in living rooms, dining rooms, or entertaining spaces where their decorative surfaces can be appreciated.
Keep them away from direct sunlight and excessive heat sources to protect the delicate lacquer and gilt leaf finishes.
What is Chinoiserie decoration?
Chinoiserie is a European decorative style that interprets Chinese and East Asian artistic motifs, frequently rendered in gold on coloured lacquer grounds.
It appears extensively across the cabinets listed on this page, depicting traditional landscapes and figures.
Are these cabinets used for modern storage?
While originally built for period glassware and spirits, many collectors continue to utilise them for their intended purpose as home bars.
The fitted interior compartments accommodate modern bottles and barware effectively.