Bird-and-Flower Square Corner Cabinet

This tall square-corner cabinet from the early 20th century has a simple silhouette and charming low-relief decoration of a traditional bird-and-flower design. Crafted of fir with mortise-and-tenon joinery, the cabinet has a clean-lined form designed with straight sides, square corners and scalloped side aprons. The exterior boasts a rustic wood grain texture and a warm-toned finish, contrasted by a thin layer of dark lacquer on the interior and back. The two doors, held together by a lotus brass lock plate, are the perfect canvas for carved decoration, darkened with lacquer for a high-contrast design. Bordered with a double cartouche enclosing are butterflies and songbirds, perched on branches of prunus blossoms and spider chrysanthemums. A storied addition to the modern home, the cabinet is ideal as a wardrobe or cupboard and offers ample storage with two interior shelves and a deep lower compartment.