Walnut Credenza Made for the Western Style Homes in 1900's Art Deco Period of Shanghai

Details

Description

The credenza with this modern look does not look like a piece of Chinese furniture. But it was made in … Read more The credenza with this modern look does not look like a piece of Chinese furniture. But it was made in Shanghai in the post 1900's period when western style houses were built for the comfort of foreigners and rich Chinese merchants alike who wanted to enjoy the ambience of modern homes. The City of Shanghai, once hailed as the Paris of the East, began after the Opium Wars in 1840's. China lost the war and signed the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842, and Shanghai was designated as one of the Treaty Ports. Foreigners were then allowed to live and trade and business with the West grew and prospered and by the 1900's Shanghai was hailed as the largest City. Port in the Far East. Art Deco was the growing trend and many buildings in Shanghai still extant exhibit the simplicity of style and elegance. Western style homes were built, and Englishmen, Americans and other Europeans alike lived and worked and made money in Shanghai and enjoyed the same privileges as they would at home.( Empire in the Sun, a Steven Spielberg movie, took place in Shanghai at the eve of the Japanese occupation in WWII, accurately portrayed the wealth and live style of the Westerners in the city at that period.)

The walnut credenza has been expertly restored. It's simplicity of form and elegance of style reflects the art deco look with only the triple molding as accent. The triple molding is used on all the edges, both front and back. The lacquer finish shows off the beautiful grains of the wood. The drawers and open shelves afford good storage. Although the back of the credenza does not have the lacquer finish, it is still expertly done, and the piece can stand alone.

PS I was in Shanghai in November 2023 and stayed near the Bund, the riverside avenue with Beaux Arts and Classical Revival Architecture where worldwide commerce was once conducted. All the buildings are beautifully restored and furnished with copies of period furnishings. I was brought back in time!!! See less