Huanghuali, brass fittings
China, early 20th century
Profiled moldings on the projecting top
Ming-Style Tapering sides supported on four long corner struts
Fecessed paneled doors
In the center with decorative polylobed reserves
Interior with three drawers in varying sizes and one shelf
The wood with fine graining and of reddish brown color
Dimensions: 82 x 62 x 33 cm
Good condition
Provenance: Private collection, Germany

Examples of tapering cabinets are illustrated in Karen Mazurkewich, Chinese Furniture: A Guide to Collecting Antiques, Vermont 2006, pp.130-3, figs.328-30.



Huang-hua-li

Huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera) is a rare type of rosewood that was used in China for traditional medicine and to make precious furniture. Originally known as huali or hualu, the specification ‘huang’ (yellowish-brown) was added in the 20th century to differentiate between aged Huanghuali with a yellowish brown patina and newer, so-called xinhuali. Huanghuali literally means ‘yellowish blooming pear wood’. Very good Huanghuali wood has a shimmering, near translucent surface with a beautiful, abstract grain. The color varies from reddish brown to golden yellow. Huanghuali probably originally came from the island Hainan, but similar kinds also grow in northern Vietnam, Guangxi and Indochina.



Condition: The cabinet is in good condition with minor signs of wear. The locking pin is not enclosed. The dimensions are 82 x 62 x 33 cm (height x length x width).

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