Painted Floral Sideboard From Shanxi – 19th century

This unusual antique Shanxi sideboard is decorated with vivid green doors decorated with floral scenes complete with butterflies and playful panda cubs. 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. This piece would have come from the border area of Mongolia and Shanxi Province, China. 

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

This simple, yet, sophisticated design would look great both in a contemporary setting or in a more traditional home.

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