Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Finish - Black Lacquer Distressed Painted Finish

Distressed Painted Finish

Dating to the 19th century it would have been covered in pitch to protect it from the elements

This sun bleached 6 door sideboard is made in the traditional way using pine & poplar woods using wood reclaimed from old doors & buildings

This is a really lovely piece

The interior is equally impressive

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Finish - Black Lacquer Distressed Painted FinishThis old painted Opera Chest depicts scenes of the traditional Chinese opera. This style of Chinese chest is found exclusively in Shanxi Province in Northern China and dates from the late 19th century. Opera chests, including this one, are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ). Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would