Crafted in late 19th-century Tibet, this charming side cabinet is beautifully decorated in the Sino-Tibetan style with an allover design of trailing vines and geometric scrollwork. A celebration of traditional artistry, the painted design is brushed by hand with brightly pigmented gouache paints in a warm palette of orange, green, blue and brown.
The cabinet front consists of four inset panels, each painted with geometric scrollwork interlaced with leafy trailing vines. At the center of each panel, the scrollwork forms a stylized shou character (壽) for longevity, paired with a small bat overhead for added happiness. Dotted with leaves and flower buds, the botanical scrollwork provides contrast to the angular lines of the archaistic meander, as though imbuing tradition with new life. Set against a soft orange field, the green vines evoke imagery of pumpkins or melons, symbols of autumn, endurance and large families.
For use as a sideboard or buffet, the cabinet's originally closed front has been modified to open by four small, front-facing doors, revealing two interior compartments. The back, sides and top of the chest have been left undecorated, save for a layer of gently faded brown lacquer.
Additional Dimensions:
Door Openings: 31"W x 13.25"D x 11.75"H
