Shanxi Butterfly Cabinet, Black Lacquer Dining Chair also formed part of the

also formed part of the dowry

giving a very pure

The screens panels are based on similar original ones that would form the interior windows or doors of a Chinese house

The two drawers on this light elm chest are dovetail jointed and mounted on wooden runners

It features the usual frame and panel construction with a simple apron below the lower frame and round brass handles that mirror the hardware on our classical Chinese cabinets and chests

Shanxi Butterfly Cabinet, Black Lacquer Dining Chair also formed part of theThese stunning painted cabinets are based on the wonderful pieces produced for centuries in Shanxi province in central China, like our black lacquer model seen above. They are decorated with gold leaf and painted by hand, so each one is individual. For the Chinese the butterfly is a symbol of beauty and especially of marital happiness often seen painted on armoires and trunks from Shanxi that were to be given as part of a bride's dowry. In a modern