.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Known as sijiangui, 'four-part wardrobes', these compound cabinets were generally 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 a pair of seventeenth century huanghuali compound cabinets of similar form but with elaborate hardware and carved aprons formerly in the collection of the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, sold in these rooms, 19 September 1996, lot 30. For another similar pair in huanghuali with plain aprons, dated to the late Ming dynasty, see R. H. Ellsworth, et. al., Chinese Furniture: One Hundred Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection, vol. I, New York, 1996, p. 189, no. 73. See, also, the pair of cabinets in camphor wood dated to the 17th century illustrated by R. H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch'ing Dynasties, New York, 1971, p. 217, no. 131.
Compare a pair of seventeenth century huanghuali compound cabinets of similar form but with elaborate hardware and carved aprons formerly in the collection of the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, sold in these rooms, 19 September 1996, lot 30. For another similar pair in huanghuali with plain aprons, dated to the late Ming dynasty, see R. H. Ellsworth, et. al., Chinese Furniture: One Hundred Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection, vol. I, New York, 1996, p. 189, no. 73. See, also, the pair of cabinets in camphor wood dated to the 17th century illustrated by R. H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch'ing Dynasties, New York, 1971, p. 217, no. 131.