A Rare Tall Display Shelf

Materials and Date

Baimu (cypress), 18th century

H

208cm (82in)

W

68cm (26¾in)

D

30cm (11¾in)

Full Description

The design of this tall, rare display shelf is as intriguing as it is stunning. Its form is essentially based on the classical shape for open display shelves, but the proportions are very unusual. The reduced width of this piece (20–40% narrower than usual) is further emphasised by the increased height (at 208 cm this is one of the tallest we have ever seen), creating an elegant vertical form. The beautifully drawn shape of the ‘kunmen’ openings on the sides (created by four ‘horsebelly’ aprons) is accentuated by a strong beading. The openings help to soften and add movement to the otherwise upright, linear design. The

increased height of this piece also leads to an increase in the space between the equidistant shelves, which lend themselves more to the display of objects than to the storage of books. The suitability of this piece for the display of fine objects is further enhanced by the shaped side openings, which beautifully frame the side view of an object on each shelf. The unusual features of this piece would certainly support the theory that it might have been specially commissioned for the display of some particular treasures or for a specific location. The slender and often simple design of these pieces, together with their size, has meant that many examples were damaged over time, so proportionally fewer survive than of other, sturdier forms

such as cabinets.