Bookcase in Carved Red Lacquered Wood with Gilding

Chinese Bookcase in Carved Red Lacquered Wood with Gilding

Dimensions:

Height: 203 cm
Width: 116 cm
Depth: 36 cm

An impressive Chinese bookcase in deep red lacquered wood, richly carved and decorated with foliage and bird motifs in the Orientalist taste.

The upper section opens through two glazed doors, allowing for the display of works of art or porcelain.

The frames are enhanced with delicate hand-painted gilt decoration.

The pierced pediment features an elegant scrollwork of finely carved flowers and foliage.

The lower section opens through two solid doors with relief-carved panels depicting botanical scenes inspired by Chinese decorative art.

The bottom rail is adorned with a spectacular pierced carving of confronted dragons among stylised clouds.

The whole rests on cabriole feet and is of remarkable decorative quality.

This piece perfectly illustrates the Western fascination with the Far East at the turn of the 20th century.


Period

Late 19th century – early 20th century.

Style

Chinese / Chinoiserie – Orientalist taste.

Materials

Carved wood, red lacquer, hand-painted gilt decoration, glazed panels.

Condition

Very good overall condition.

Minor surface wear and small localised losses to the gilding, consistent with age.

Sound and stable structure.