Antique Victorian late 19th or early 20th cent oak Chinese hand painted panels

Antique Victorian late 19th or early 20th century oak Chinese hand painted door panels. These are incredibly decorative door panels ( could be repurposed in an old desk cabinet etc Personally I think they are just a great display piece. They have very well made hinges etc Lots of age related wear - possibly 150 years plus old !!! Displayed with other items illustration only for sale separately.

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50 cm tall

22 CM wide

3 cm depth

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The history of Chinese hand-painted cabinets dates back to the Tang dynasty (618–907), when they evolved from simple chests to more developed forms. They flourished in the Song and Ming dynasties with new designs for specific purposes, like stacking wardrobes and display cabinets, and became more ornate during the Qing dynasty. These cabinets often feature symbolic motifs like dragons for power or peonies for prosperity, rendered in vibrant lacquers or natural pigments.

Historical development

Tang Dynasty (618–907): Furniture evolved from simple chests, with the beginnings of more developed forms emerging.

Han Dynasty: Cabinets began to develop with legs.

Song Dynasty (960–1279): The cabinet as we know it today began to develop. Different styles were designed for specific uses, such as stacking cabinets for bedrooms and display cabinets for living rooms.

Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): The development of new designs continued, with styles like the "A"-shaped tapered cabinet emerging.

Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): Cabinets became larger and were often made from hardwoods. Intricate carvings, inlays, and paintings featuring auspicious symbols and characters became common, particularly in major centers like Beijing and Canton.

Decorative elements

Materials: Cabinets are made from various materials, including hardwoods, lacquer, and bamboo.

Lacquer: Many are finished with a glossy lacquer in vibrant colors like red (associated with luck) or black, which adds both beauty and durability.

Motifs: Common designs are drawn from nature and mythology, and carry deep symbolic meaning:

Floral designs: Peonies (wealth), lotus flowers (purity), and pomegranates (fertility).

Animal designs: Dragons are a popular symbol of power and good fortune.

Inlays: Other decorative techniques include mother-of-pearl inlay and intricate metalwork.

Regional importance

Shanxi Province: This region is particularly renowned for its furniture-making tradition and distinctive lacquering techniques, which result in a durable, glossy finish.

Wedding cabinets: Highly sought-after wedding cabinets from Shanxi are known for their quality and distinctive aesthetic.