Petite Chinese Art Deco Night Table From 1920's Shanghai

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In the first three decades of the 20th Century, Shanghai was the Paris of the East. This time ran simultaneously … Read more In the first three decades of the 20th Century, Shanghai was the Paris of the East. This time ran simultaneously as the Art Deco Period, which greatly influenced the style of furniture that furnished many Western Style houses built for Europeans and nouveau riche Chinese. The reason why Shanghai has so many Western business and residential buildings that are still extant and in full use today is due to China's loss in the Opium Wars. Under the Treaty of Nanking (1842), China was forced to open several ports to foreign trade, including Shanghai. From a modest regional city and river port, Shanghai blossomed as a treaty port where foreign controlled "concessions" established in parts of the city. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Shanghai grew rapidly into one of Asia's most important commercial and financial centers. Banks, shipping companies, factories, newspapers and trading houses flourished.

A new style of furniture was manufactured to fill the Western style commercial buildings and residences. The furniture was greatly influenced by Art Deco but still showed Chinese influence and built in the traditional Chinese manner using joinery and without nails. This small nightstand with an attached mirror was used as a nightstand. There is a drawer inside the cabinet. The decoration is simple - fluted ridges around the mirror and door. On the door is a wood carving in the shape of a shield with a floral design of flowers and leaves. The sides and back are plain.

Later Chinese furniture made after the 19th century was not as well made as the antique furniture. I notice that the Shanghai art deco furniture, a distinctive period style could be made better. Most pieces are made of softwoods and they do not withstand handling as well as hardwood pieces. We in the West think of these pieces as interesting vintage furniture representing a particular period in Shanghai where East met West. The locals looked at them as old furniture and did not give them the careful attention as they should. I always marvel that they are still here at all and not burned as firewood during the horrific years of the Cultural Revolution where Mao set the Red Guards out to destroy anything that represented Chinese traditions.

Please note the petite size, the cabinet is 15" x 13.5" x 37", and without the mirror, it is 15" x 13.5" x 28" high. It is perfect for a small bedroom or a large bathroom. See less