Antique Cabinets

To authenticate an antique cabinet, begin with the construction: mortise-and-tenon joinery, secondary wood carcasses (oak, poplar or pine depending on origin) and a naturally developed patina are all reliable indicators of age. A 17th-century Flemish or Antwerp cabinet is typically identified by its painted panels on copper or alabaster set within spiral-turned columns, while a lacquered East Asian cabinet — Japanese or Chinese — displays gilded relief decoration on a black or red ground, often mounted on European stands in France or the Netherlands during the 18th century.

In terms of budget, Asian lacquered cabinets on European stands start at a few thousand pounds for restored examples, while large Renaissance two-body cabinets or pieces attributed to notable cabinetmakers can reach several tens of thousands. Always check the condition of the veneers, the presence of original locks and hardware, and the integrity of the interior compartments.

Documented provenance — an old inventory, a collection label, a specialist's report — significantly enhances a cabinet's value. Be wary of heavy restorations that conceal substantial losses, and favour pieces whose secondary woods are consistent with the stated period. Pietre dure marquetry (Florentine hardstone inlay) is an additional quality marker that is particularly prized by collectors and institutions alike.

On Antiquités en France, every cabinet is offered by a verified professional dealer who can provide detailed photographs, precise dimensions and the piece's history. You may also wish to browse our selection of antique silver to complement a collection, or contact the dealer directly for advice on authentication or specialist art transport.