Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries

Hello,

I have had this for quite some time given to me by a friend whose grandmother passed away. We don't know if it is an original and what are some things to look for if anyone can help, please?

As far as I know cabinets like yours are mostly made in the period between the 1930s and the 1960s. They can be easily identified by the bald use of lacquer (even so they don't have much in common with traditionalit lacquerware), the coin-style at the rim and the use of soapstone or semiprecious stones as means for the main decoration. They are often seen in smaller action houses and antiques stores. Depending on the country you live in and the condition of your cabinets they fetch prices in the lower hundreds (USD / EUR / etc.) They are mostly produced in China, Taiwan and elswhere. There might be a stampmark at the bottom indicating futher clues towards the origin.

Regards Madria

Hello,

I want to thank you for all the information... absolutely great!! If I'm not mistaken, I want to say there is a number written on the bottom but I will be going to my storage today and getting some better photos. Hopefully, I can be more successful with that.

I believe it is Chinese and from the mid 20th century or later

It's difficult to determine by way of the single image.

Popular with collectors etc. I also have a one similar to yours.
Regards,
Mark@imperial

I recall seeing many such Chinese-made cabinets on sale new in U.S. Military Exchange stores during the Vietnam Years (3rd quarter 20th C) in such places as the US Bases in Thailand and the British China Fleet Club in Hong Kong, where the Royal Navy permitted spaces for operation by the U.S. Navy. The cabinets have been a regular feature in estate liquidations by families of the passing generation of Vietnam veterans.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries |