3 Door Painted Sideboard From Qinghai - 19th Century
This remarkable 19th-century painted sideboard from Qinghai province began life as a traditional grain store, later thoughtfully converted into a highly decorative and practical cabinet. Originally designed to open from the top via a hatch, the front has since been adapted with three panelled doors, making it far more functional for modern use while preserving its historic character.
The doors are beautifully painted with intricate depictions of scholarly objects — including vessels, flowers and auspicious decorative items — traditional symbols of wisdom, refinement and status within Chinese culture. These motifs are set against a rich green ground and framed by a deep red border, creating a striking contrast that enhances the cabinet’s presence. The layered paint surface shows gentle wear and age, giving the piece depth, warmth and authenticity.
Internally, the cabinet is divided into three sections, each fitted with its own shelf, providing practical storage. In addition to their use as grain stores, cabinets of this type were often repurposed as altar cabinets for family ancestor worship, reflecting their importance within the home. Solid and architectural in form, this piece combines rustic strength with vibrant decorative artistry.
- Origin: Qinghai Province, China
- Date: 19th Century
- Materials: Solid timber with original painted decoration
- Features: Originally a top-opening grain store; later converted with three front doors; hand-painted panels depicting scholarly objects; rich green ground with deep red frame; interior divided into three compartments each with a shelf
- Condition: Good antique condition; historic conversion; age-related wear, paint loss and surface marks consistent with use
- Dimensions: W222 x D46 x H87 cm
Original: $5,021.39
-65%$5,021.39
$1,757.49More Images
3 Door Painted Sideboard From Qinghai - 19th Century
This remarkable 19th-century painted sideboard from Qinghai province began life as a traditional grain store, later thoughtfully converted into a highly decorative and practical cabinet. Originally designed to open from the top via a hatch, the front has since been adapted with three panelled doors, making it far more functional for modern use while preserving its historic character.
The doors are beautifully painted with intricate depictions of scholarly objects — including vessels, flowers and auspicious decorative items — traditional symbols of wisdom, refinement and status within Chinese culture. These motifs are set against a rich green ground and framed by a deep red border, creating a striking contrast that enhances the cabinet’s presence. The layered paint surface shows gentle wear and age, giving the piece depth, warmth and authenticity.
Internally, the cabinet is divided into three sections, each fitted with its own shelf, providing practical storage. In addition to their use as grain stores, cabinets of this type were often repurposed as altar cabinets for family ancestor worship, reflecting their importance within the home. Solid and architectural in form, this piece combines rustic strength with vibrant decorative artistry.
- Origin: Qinghai Province, China
- Date: 19th Century
- Materials: Solid timber with original painted decoration
- Features: Originally a top-opening grain store; later converted with three front doors; hand-painted panels depicting scholarly objects; rich green ground with deep red frame; interior divided into three compartments each with a shelf
- Condition: Good antique condition; historic conversion; age-related wear, paint loss and surface marks consistent with use
- Dimensions: W222 x D46 x H87 cm
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
This remarkable 19th-century painted sideboard from Qinghai province began life as a traditional grain store, later thoughtfully converted into a highly decorative and practical cabinet. Originally designed to open from the top via a hatch, the front has since been adapted with three panelled doors, making it far more functional for modern use while preserving its historic character.
The doors are beautifully painted with intricate depictions of scholarly objects — including vessels, flowers and auspicious decorative items — traditional symbols of wisdom, refinement and status within Chinese culture. These motifs are set against a rich green ground and framed by a deep red border, creating a striking contrast that enhances the cabinet’s presence. The layered paint surface shows gentle wear and age, giving the piece depth, warmth and authenticity.
Internally, the cabinet is divided into three sections, each fitted with its own shelf, providing practical storage. In addition to their use as grain stores, cabinets of this type were often repurposed as altar cabinets for family ancestor worship, reflecting their importance within the home. Solid and architectural in form, this piece combines rustic strength with vibrant decorative artistry.
- Origin: Qinghai Province, China
- Date: 19th Century
- Materials: Solid timber with original painted decoration
- Features: Originally a top-opening grain store; later converted with three front doors; hand-painted panels depicting scholarly objects; rich green ground with deep red frame; interior divided into three compartments each with a shelf
- Condition: Good antique condition; historic conversion; age-related wear, paint loss and surface marks consistent with use
- Dimensions: W222 x D46 x H87 cm
