Antique Chinese Wedding Chest

Details

Description

An authentic Chinese Elmwood (Yumu) Wedding Cabinet or Wardrobe, crafted in a traditional Ming-style aesthetic.

Believed to be a late … Read more An authentic Chinese Elmwood (Yumu) Wedding Cabinet or Wardrobe, crafted in a traditional Ming-style aesthetic.

Believed to be a late 19th to early 20th-century piece (Late Qing Dynasty to Early Republic Period).

Dimensions: 72”H x 43”W x 20” D

Material and Construction

Wood Type: The cabinet features a striking, bold grain pattern consistent with Northern Chinese Elm (Yumu). Elm is highly favored in traditional Chinese furniture making for its strength and beautiful, ribbon-like grain definitions.

Finish: a natural warm honey-brown clear lacquer on the exterior, designed to showcase the grain, while the interior is finished in a traditional thick black/dark brown sealing lacquer.

Joinery: utilizes classic mortise-and-tenon construction without nails. The thick, slightly overhanging top panel ("cap") and gently tapered side profile are hallmarks of regional Ming-style utility cabinets.

Hardware and Inscriptions: the most distinctive aspect of this cabinet is its customized bronze hardware:

— Central Escutcheon: A large, round, flush-mounted brass faceplate with twin drop-leaf pulls and a central locking pin mechanism.

— Calligraphy Pane is ls: Affixed on either side of the doors are two long rectangular bronze plaques with engraved Chinese characters.

These indicate that the cabinet was commissioned as a custom wedding dowry gift. The inscriptions carry deep cultural meaning:

— Left Side Panel: Reads "行見汾陽" (Xing Jian Fen Yang). "Fen Yang" is a historical and literary reference to Guo Ziyi (the Prince of Fenyang), a legendary Tang Dynasty figure famed for his immense wealth, longevity, and having a family full of successful, high-ranking children. In weddings, this wishes the couple an abundant family line.

— Right Side Panel: Contains text referencing "孟眉" (Meng Mei), which points directly to "舉案齊眉" (Ju An Qi Mei—"Lifting the tray to the level of the eyebrows"). This refers to the historical couple Liang鴻 and Meng光 (Meng Mei), symbolizing a marriage built on deep mutual respect, harmony, and fidelity.

Interior Configuration:

The interior features a spacious top shelf, a central structural frame housing two side-by-side drawers with small brass ring pulls, and a lower hidden storage compartment (often used for valuables or extra linens).

Condition Exterior: Excellent condition. The honey patina is consistent across the front and side panels. The wood shows minimal splitting, which is common but absent here, indicating it has been well-cared-for in a climate-controlled environment.

Interior: Shows expected aging, minor scraping, and light oxidation on the dark lacquer surfaces, which is completely normal for an authentic antique utility piece.

Transport:

Buyer to provide; requires moving item from 2nd floor of home to vehicle, potentially using home elevator from 2nd to 1st floor.

Note: doors and shelf can be easily removed to lighten chest.

Payment: Cash only please. See less