A Rare Square Corner Cabinet

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Full Description

This small square corner cabinet was almost certainly designed for use in the scholarâs studio, where it would have held books, scrolls and other treasures. The sombre rigidity of the linear design is enlivened by the unusual use of boxwood for all the frame members and huanghuali for the panels. The contrast between the caramel colour and buttery texture of the boxwood and the deep, rich tonalities of the huanghuali is both subtle and striking. The natural beauty of each wood seems to be enhanced by the other, whilst maintaining the integrity of the whole. The use of mixed woods on single pieces of furniture became popular during the 18th century when craftsmen, confident of their mastery of the Ming form, began to seek new ways to refine classical designs and demonstrate their skills. Whilst not all of these attempts were successful, when they are, as in this case, we are treated to truly great 18th-century Chinese furniture.