Ulmus parvifolia, also known as the Chinese elm (yu mu) or lacebark elm, with carved and incised mother-of-pearl inlays on all sides and partially on the inside of the cabinet. Varnished. The top, the front door and two smaller side doors can be opened. Original brass hinges and lock (key missing).. China, Qing dynasty, most likely earlier second half of the 19th century

Depiction of various battle scenes from the first opium war of 1839-1842, specifically of the Yangtze river campaign with the British siege of the Chinese fortress of Chinkiang shown in the center. Details include many British and Chinese ships, bannermen, scouts with spyglasses, one even on a hot-air balloon (!) as well as courtly scenes with pavilions, palace garden details and an encounter between several Chinese officials.

Shape: Rectangular shape with curved apron and feet
Dimensions: 34 x 25 x 28.5 cm.
Condition: Some age cracks, little of the inlay work is missing, partially warped.
Provenance/labels: French private collection.
Literature comparison: Sothebys, IMPORTANT ENGLISH AND EUROPEAN DECORATIVE ARTS, 24 APRIL 2013, NEW YORK, lot 38. (for a cabinet executed by the same artist, with almost identical decoration, but larger in size)

清代黑漆貝母鑲嵌戰爭場面榆木桌櫃
一些有年代的劃痕。小塊鑲嵌已經遺失，局部有扭曲
法國私人收藏