A PAINTED AND GILT-DECORATED RED LACQUER COMPOUND CABINET MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of rectangular form, comprising a tall cabinet and a separate hat chest, each with doors opening from removable centre stiles, painted against a red ground with birds and flowers in a rocky landscape, all enclosed by meandering floral scrolls, the sides and shaped apron similarly decorated, the interior lacquered black and set with two shelves, fitted with metal hinges, plates and pulls

Sammy Y. Lee & Wangs Co., Hong Kong, 1973.
Collection of Arthur M. Sackler.

Lee Yu-kuan, Oriental Lacquer Art, New York, 1972, pl. 247.

There are general age cracks running horizontally across the cabinet with associated loss, including two large cracks running along vertically down the side of the lower panel towards the feet (approx. 45cm). There are areas of loss and flakes along the cracks, joints and along the areas where the metal plates are attached. There are extensive areas of re-lacquer and repainting along the corners, particularly to the left edge of the cabinet. Some cracks have been consolidated. The hat chest has general age cracks, and a larger crack along the top right edge. There is an area of lacquer loss, including the top left corner (ca. 11 x 9cm) and other nicks to the lacquer along the extremities. The colours are slightly tarnished with traces of loss to the gilding. The brass fittings to the feet may be later added.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present cabinet, called dingxiangligui in Chinese, is described by Lee Yu-kuan in Oriental Lacquer Art, New York and Tokyo, 1972, p. 322, as ‘used by high officials for storing the clothing and accessories required for their appearances before the emperor or their superiors. Hats and other headgear were kept in the top section, while the main part of the cabinet contained court costumes and various accessories, including the important chaohu.’  Apart from the fine craftsmanship by the lacquer artist, this cabinet is also remarkable for retaining its original lockplate and mounts. 

Large lacquer cabinets of the late Ming and early Qing periods, painted in this ornate style with the much favoured theme of birds and flowers in gilt are rare although a very similar cabinet, perhaps the pair to the present piece, is illustrated in Michel Beurdeley, Chinese Furniture, Tokyo, New York and San Francisco, 1979, p. 129, pl. 175. See another fine lacquer cabinet of different proportions and shelf layout finely painted with a very similar scene of flowering branches and birds in vivid tones on a brown ground, sold in our New York rooms, 11/12^th April 1990, lot 671.