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Circa: Mid-Qing (Qing era 1644 - 1912 ce))
Wood: Nanmu
Region: Jiangsu
Dimensions: 34w x 69.5h x 18d
Condition: good, hardware replaced

Description/Comments: These refined Ming style round cornered cabinets have wood pin hinged doors, a decorative top lattice for display, and solid panel book-matched grained door panels. The interior has two shelves with two drawers below the lower shelf. Made of highly prized nanmu wood, this tapered cabinet has very elegant proportions. They are of very typical Jiangsu workmanship. The original exterior was probably a clear or semi-transparent lacquer. It is unusual and desirable to find cabinets of this nature in pairs these days.

Nanmu is often used for storing organic materials (e.g. textiles, books, paintings) because of its insect resistant and repelling nature. It is a pleasant softwood, notable for being generally knotty in the grain. It seldom expands or contracts much. Nanmu was considered one of the best softwoods for Ming and early Qing furniture especially cabinets and bookcases.

Virtue: Restraint