Vintage 45-Drawer Chinese Apothecary Chest – Solid Elm (Yumu) Pagoda Cabinet

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Vintage 45-Drawer Chinese Apothecary Chest – Solid Elm (Yumu) Pagoda Cabinet

Elevate your interior with a masterwork of traditional Eastern … Read more Vintage 45-Drawer Chinese Apothecary Chest – Solid Elm (Yumu) Pagoda Cabinet

Elevate your interior with a masterwork of traditional Eastern utility and decorative artistry. This striking 45-drawer apothecary chest is a tour de force of cabinetry, hand-constructed from solid Northern Elm (Yumu). The piece is defined by its dramatic, flowing "mountain" grain—a hallmark of high-density Elm—finished in a lustrous, hand-rubbed honey-red stain that emphasizes the wood’s natural depth.

The cabinet features a rare articulated Pagoda silhouette, with flared "swallowtail" ends protected by etched brass corner mounts. The facade is a breathtaking grid of 42 herb drawers and 3 larger base drawers, each featuring deep-etched, hand-carved calligraphy identifying traditional medicinal remedies. Fitted with original "baitong" style brass ring pulls and a central double-door compartment with a decorative latch, this cabinet offers a level of handcrafted detail that serves as an immediate focal point for a grand foyer, a master study, or a high-end designer office.

Artistry & Construction Highlights

The Wood (Yumu): Known as "Northern Elm," Yumu is prized by collectors for its durability and the vivid, wavy grain patterns that resemble rolling landscapes.

Precision Joinery: Every drawer is hand-fitted using traditional joinery (visible in detail photos), ensuring smooth operation and structural longevity without the use of modern metal glides.

Auspicious Silhouette: The flared swallowtail roofline is an ancient architectural motif intended to bring protection and good fortune to the home.

Curated Hardware: The "baitong" (white brass) style hardware provides a sophisticated metallic contrast to the warm, ebonized red wood tones.

Dimensions
Width: 28.25 in (at widest point of pagoda flare)
Height: 33.25 in
Depth: 11 in
Storage: 42 Small Drawers; 3 Large Drawers; 1 Double-Door Cabinet.

Condition Report
Museum-Quality Preservation – This cabinet is in immaculate vintage condition. The Elm body is remarkably stable with no visible splitting, warping, or separation at the joints. All 45 drawers operate with exceptional smoothness. The hand-carved calligraphy remains crisp, and the brass hardware retains its original bright luster with only a whisper of age-appropriate patina. The interior compartments are pristine and free of odors or staining.

Designer Styling Note: The "Collector's Command Center"
This piece is the ultimate solution for the sophisticated collector. Use it in a primary suite as a monumental jewelry and accessory chest, or in a home library to organize a collection of antique coins or ephemera. Its slender 11-inch depth allows it to command a presence in narrow hallways or landings without obstructing traffic flow.

A rare intersection of prestigious heritage and authentic "found" character. This 45-Drawer Apothecary Cabinet offers the structural integrity of a bespoke build with the soul of an ancient tradition. It is an investment-grade statement piece ready to bring narrative weight and organizational elegance to the modern home. See less