Provincial Four Seasons Coffer

This provincial coffer from northern China has a simple, clean-lined form embellished with colorful lacquer and hand-painted decoration. The cabinet was crafted in the late 19th century with mortise-and-tenon joinery methods, without the use of nails or screws. Originally configured to open from the top, the coffer's paneled front has been modified into six small drawers and six doors that open to a large, continuous interior.

Whimsical folk paintings enliven the front, each motif layered with symbolic meaning. The center panels are painted with two Taoist immortals and the outer with bird-and-flower paintings of the four seasons - plum blossoms for winter, chrysanthemums for autumn, lotus for summer, and peonies for spring. A richly aged red lacquer finish cloaks the surrounding frame, now beautifully faded from years of use.

Additional Dimensions:
Drawers: 8.75"W x 13.25"D x 3.75"H
Door Opening: 19"W x 17.5"H
Shelves: 25.5"W x 15"D x 10"H