Lot 14. A magnificent gilt-lacquered zitan-veneered display cabinet, Qing Dynasty. 194cm (76 1/2in) high x 43cm (17in) deep x 94cm (37in) wideong. Estimate £ 50,000 - £ 80,000. Sold for £ 93,812 (€ 103,740). Courtesy Bonhams.

The cabinet of elegant proportions with the top section divided into open compartments of various form, sizes and heights, framed by friezes carved with reticulated designs depicting clusters of vaporous ruyi clouds, joined by a vertical pillar in the form of a writhing scaly dragon, all above a pair of double-door cabinets intricately carved in relief on each door with a mountainous landscape and figures, surmounted by a pair of single drawers and three compartments decorated with floral motifs and antiques, the sides decorated with further floral motifs, the interior lacquered black and gilt-decorated with a landscape, metal hinges and lock plates, standing on four straight feet.

Provenance: Dilys Mary Eaton and thence by descent.

Note: It is possible that the present cabinet may be the pair to an identical zitan and hardwood cabinet, 18th/19th century, which was sold at Christie's South Kensington, 2013, 11 May 2016, lot 369. Also compare with a related zitan and hardwood cabinet, 18th century, which was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 May 2007, lot 1398.

Duobao ge 多寶格 (literally meaning 'multiple treasure cabinets') began in the early Qing dynasty and may have evolved from the mid Ming period Liang'ge gui cabinets. Qing dynasty palace archives typically identify these types of cabinets 'bogu shuge' (literally meaning 'extensive antique and book cabinets'), because the upper section was used to display antiques, whilst the lower section was used to store books and scrolls.

The Imperial Household Department archives frequently mention the Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors discussing the design of these type of zitan cabinets. Both the Kangxi and Yongzheng emperors greatly admired Japanese lacquer, and many pieces from the latter's reign are lacquered and decorated showing strong Japanese influence.

Compare with two similar zitan display cabinets in the Qing Court Collection, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, vol.2, Beijing, 2002, p.254, no.216 and p.269, no. 28.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, London, 5 Nov 2020