QING DYNASTY, 17TH-18TH CENTURY

The present cabinet belongs to a group known as sijiangui, ‘four-part wardrobes'. These compound cabinets were often made in pairs. Garments and large items would have been stored in the lower cabinets, while smaller items would have been kept in the top chests, often requiring the use of a ladder due to their massive size.

Compare with known pairs of cabinets decorated with plain aprons of various sizes and dating, such as a pair sold in Christie’s Hong Kong, 27 November 2017, lot 8113 for HK$14,500,000. Also see two pairs of veneered cabinets, one from the Reverend Richard Fabian Collection, sold at Sotheby’s New York, 15 March 2016, lot 42; another pair previously in the Dr. S.Y. Yip Collection is illustrated in Dreams of Chu Tan Chamber and Romance with Huanghuali Wood: The Dr. S.Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1991, p.119, no. 46, and sold at Christie’s New York, 20 September 2002, lot 60.

This lot incorporates material from endangered species which could result in export restrictions. You should check the relevant customs laws and regulations before bidding on this lot if you plan to import the lot into another country. Please refer to Christie’s Conditions of Sale.