Chinese ‘100 Boys at Play’ Red Lacquer Marriage Cabinet
Circa 1820 with 20th century enhancements
Height 49” (124cm) Width 43 ¾” (114cmm) Depth 22” (56 cm)
The Cabinet with later marbleised top and leaf decorated moulding above two long doors enclosing a later marbleised interior with a shelf above a two door cupboard decorated with a painted chinoiserie scene on a red ground The base consists of a further leaf decorated moulding leading to four magnificent bronze animal claw feet.
The front with all over ‘100 boys at play’ in raised gilt on a red lacquer ground. The sides decorated with pavilions in a forested and mountainous landscape also in raised gilt on a red lacquer ground.
The theme of ‘100 boys at play’ underscores powerful auspicious symbolism related to New Year celebrations, such as the wish for many sons, universal peace, career success and long life. This theme was widely employed in the decorative arts during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
We understand from the previous owner that the back was replaced and the Cabinet enhanced circa 1950 when acquired by her father and that she more recently refurbished the interior.
The exterior red and gilt lacquer decoration, the central escutcheon (adapted for an English lock) and the bronze feet are original.
£9500
