Red & Black Painted Sideboard From Shanxi – 19th Century

This unusual antique Shanxi sideboard is decorated with painted wildfowl surrounded by floral scenes and flying butterflies on a dark red background. The frame is coated in a rustic black which has worn away in areas.

Chinese sideboards like this one were originally used for storing clothing and grain by the nomadic people of Gansu & Northern Shanxi in the 19th century during the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1912). They were also used as altar cabinets for family ancestor worship. The front doors have been modified from the original closed front to make it more functional. It would have originally opened from the top by a hatch.

These sideboards are incredibly practical with four doors opening to reveal an internal storage space with a fitted shelf. The modified hatch is still visible on the top of the piece.

From Shanxi Province, China

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