An unusual antique Chinese portable wedding/work chest or cabinet, constructed in wood with finely woven rattan/bamboo panels, multiple drawers, substantial carrying handle and decorative metal fittings.

Particularly attractive is the large black lacquer top panel, finely decorated in gilt with a traditional Chinese scene showing three women engaged in textile/spinning work, together with a calligraphic inscription and seal.

The cabinet measures approximately 18.5 inches high × 16 inches wide × 11 inches deep, rising to approximately 20 inches with the carrying handle raised.

The form appears to be associated with Chinese portable wedding/work chests and the textile-working subject may indicate use as a woman's sewing/work cabinet or for storing personal possessions.

The cabinet is particularly attractive for its black lacquered top panel, finely decorated in gold with a traditional Chinese scene depicting three women engaged in textile or spinning work, surrounded by trees, flowers and landscape. The panel also carries a Chinese calligraphic inscription and seal mark.

The front and sides are formed from intricate woven bamboo/rattan panels set within a reddish-brown wooden framework. There are several drawers of different sizes, retaining their decorative metal handles, together with substantial metal corner mounts and fittings.

The form and decoration suggest that this may originally have been intended as a portable sewing/work cabinet, jewellery cabinet or personal storage chest. The textile-working scene on the lid would be particularly appropriate for a sewing or work cabinet.

It appears to have some age, although I have not had it professionally authenticated or dated and therefore offer it without attribution to a particular period or workshop.

Please study the photographs carefully as these form an important part of the description. An interesting decorative antique that would benefit from sympathetic conservation rather than heavy restoration.

Dimensions:
Height: 18.5 inches
Width: 16 inches
Depth: 11 inches
Height including raised handle: 20 inches