Unusual 20th Century Chinoiserie Pagoda Top Bombe Form Cane 2-Door Storage Cabinet

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Description

I've never seen anything like this remarkable vintage chinoiserie style cabinet.

It's small (only 5 feet tall) and lightweight, comprised … Read more I've never seen anything like this remarkable vintage chinoiserie style cabinet.

It's small (only 5 feet tall) and lightweight, comprised of a wooden skeleton lined with panels of cane and papier mache. All seams and edges are accented with decorative metal trim (possibly brass) pressed with chinoiserie motifs such as floral swags, scrolls, and Greek key patterns. The cabinet retains its original finish, antique gold paint that was lightly white washed for a muted glow.

At the top of the cabinet is a glorious pagoda with 8 caned sides accented with carved wooden scrolls and crowned with a flame shaped turned wood finial.

The central cabinet has a curvaceous bombe form with two doors decorated at the corners with scrollwork and paneled with scenes of trees and cranes. The lion head door hardware is likely not original but looks cool. The doors open to reveal a large storage space painted black on the interior. It's unclear what would even be stored in here, as there are no shelves or hooks or rods. Perhaps it could hold a stack of blankets or pillows in a living room?

Below the cabinet is a single drawer with round wooden knob and black painted interior. The whole structure rests on a tiny curvy cabriole style legs united with a carved apron. The cabient has no maker's mark, but my best guess is that it was made in Italy in the mid-to-late 20th century, as it has some hallmarks of Venetian chinoiserie.

The cabinet is in very good vintage condition. Visually, it could not be more impressive (and weird). Structurally, it is sturdy, despite its light weight. The doors and drawer function perfectly. There is an area of cane on one side that has been repaired, and there are significant scuffs on the legs. Please see photos for more details about the condition of the cabinet.

The piece measures 60" tall, 27" wide, and 19.5" deep. The pagoda can be removed for transport if needed. See less