Inlaid Lacquer Appraisal

Chinese Lacquer Inlaid Cabinet with Figural and Architectural Scenes

This is a rectangular-form cabinet, likely serving as a console or side cabinet, constructed from wood and finished with a high-gloss black lacquer. The front features two cabinet doors, each adorned with intricate, raised carvings and inlay work depicting traditional Chinese scenes. The overall dimensions appear to be approximately 30-36 inches in width and height, though exact measurements are not discernable from the image. The top surface of the cabinet has a slightly raised, curved edge on the back and sides, suggesting a traditional Asian design influence. The cabinet doors present figural scenes: the left door displays three female figures in what appears to be a garden setting with bamboo, while the right door shows two female figures interacting near a multi-tiered pagoda or pavilion. These figures, as well as elements of the landscape and architecture, are rendered using what appears to be mother-of-pearl or similar iridescent shell inlay, possibly combined with carved and painted elements. The raised nature of these decorations adds a significant tactile and visual dimension. Surrounding the pictorial panels on the doors and outlining the cabinet structure itself is a finely detailed geometric key-fret border, executed in a contrasting gold or brass-colored pigment, further enhancing the decorative appeal. The hardware for the doors, including the central escutcheon and pulls, appears to be made of a patinated brass or bronze. Below the cabinet doors, there is an open-shelf design, creating an additional storage or display area. The cabinet legs are straight and adorned with the same key-fret border, terminating in what appears to be small metal caps on the feet, possibly for protection or decorative accent. The craftsmanship suggests a handmade piece, consistent with traditional Chinese furniture-making techniques and the provided context. The condition appears to be relatively good with minor signs of wear proportional to its age, such as slight tarnishing on the metal hardware and potential superficial scratches on the lacquer, although these are not clearly visible. The rich black lacquer and detailed inlay work indicate a piece of considerable decorative quality, aiming to emulate classic Chinese artistic traditions. The style points to a piece made in the mid-to-late 20th century, possibly earlier if it exhibits more significant signs of age and traditional construction methods not fully visible here.