MID-18TH CENTURY

THIS CABINET DEMONSTRATES THE SUCCESS OF THE CHINESE EXPORT TRADE IN THE 18TH CENTURY, WHICH OFTEN COMBINED VIVID ORNAMENT AND INTRICATELY PAINTED LACQUER WITH THE WESTERN FURNITURE FORMS DESIRED BY THE EUROPEAN MARKET. THE EXTERIOR RELIEFS ON THE PRESENT LOT INVOKE A DEPTH OF NATURALISM BUILT UP THROUGH A CAREFUL LAYERING PROCESS OF DELICATELY CARVED BAMBOO. THE INTERIOR BOASTS BLIND FRET-CARVED LACQUER, A RARE TECHNIQUE THAT IS USUALLY FOUND ON SMALL OBJECTS AND OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH IMPERIAL COURT.