Display cabinet - Wood, Crystal, Velvet, Iron

Pagoda-shaped bookcase cabinet, Chinese lacquer, 20th century – China

Model: Bookcase-cabinet
Materials: Wood, lacquer, glass, velvet and iron base
Period: 20th century
Country of origin: China
Good condition relative to its age and use.
Overall dimensions: 210 x 110 x 33 cm.
Bookcase dimensions: 120 x 110 x 33 cm.
Support dimensions: 90 x 98 x 28 cm.

The display cabinet, wardrobe or cabinet has the shape of a pagoda of Chinese origin, made to be exported to Europe in the early 20th century. The piece, made of lacquered wood, rests on a metal support with four slender legs that elevate it. On it develop the three levels, emulating the structure of an oriental pagoda.

Its main body is divided into three sections. At the bottom, two small compartments with drawers/doors with handles in gilded metal. The central part presents two glazed doors, with two shelves dividing the interior into three where various objects or books can be displayed. The back, like that of the compartments or drawers, is covered with velvet. Finally, it is topped by a roof that overhangs the piece and gives it its characteristic pagoda shape. The adaptation to Western taste is evident with concessions, such as the handles and the bronze escutcheon of the lock in Napoleon III style.

All exterior of the furniture is lacquered, the front with vegetal and geometric motifs in gold painted by hand on the characteristic red background. On the sides, different scenes are developed at different levels, with vegetal elements and figures dressed in traditional costumes. These rich oriental scenes painted by hand on a black glossy lacquer background, adorned with bone and hard stones. These motifs are common in screens of Japanese and Chinese origin.

Pagodas are temples of Chinese, Japanese, Korean origin or from some Southeast Asian countries, all of which derive from Indian stupas. Although they may vary in ornamentation or style, they always maintain a basic structural similarity: a tower with several stacked levels, topping each level with overhanging eaves or roofs, which give their distinctive image. They have mainly a religious function; in India they serve as funerary mounds, but in most Buddhist temples they become places to venerate the statue of Buddha, relics or scriptures. The temple represents the connection between the earthly world and the celestial, often ending in a metal spire.

The shipment of the product will be paid by the buyer according to the dimensions, weight and destination. We will contact you to manage it and agree on the budget. Shipping costs include professionally tailored packaging; and the personalized shipment, with tracking number and warranty. DUE TO THE DIMENSIONS AND FRAGILITY OF THE PIECE IT IS PREFERRED TO ARRANGE SHIPPING WITH THE BUYER. CURRENT COSTS ARE ESTIMATED.

The buyer will be responsible for paying import duties and related taxes in the destination country, if any. Please note the seller's disclaimer regarding possible customs charges, since they are charged in the destination country and the amount to pay is determined by that country's customs. If an export permit is necessary, the costs are borne by the buyer. The cost depends progressively on the value of the work to be exported.