A mortise and tenon is a type of joint made up of two parts: a tongue-like piece (tenon) that locks into various kinds of secure channels (mortise) adding to the piece’s stability. This technique in China made antique pieces more stable and permanent without using nails or glue and allowed available woods to adapt to Asia’s weather variabilities in temperature and humidity. After long use and weather changes, nailed loosen, so the Chinese substituted tropical woods containing resin and oil like rosewood, sandalwood, ebony, and elm all of which negate the use of glue by denying its adhesive properties. A groove was carved for each frame that offered extra space for the wood to expand and contract during weather changes.
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This elm storage cabinet has lacquered and painted door panels auspicious paintings of birds, foliage, and florals. One door panel has a magpie on a plum tree and the other has a tree with a chrysanthemum below – together they are wishes for double happiness, the birth of sons, and longevity.
This charming small antique wood cabinet has two intricately carved drawers for storage and was probably made from elmwood. Its low profile and fine lacquered finish add warmth and a touch of antique fine craftsmanship lends itself to a multitude of uses in any setting. Auspicious symbols to bring blessings of fu carved on it include peonies and vines surrounding the butterfly pull, plum blossom and a Japanese lily on the left. The two sides have inset panel with florals and the bottom of the three sides has a decorative apron with fretwork vine design. It is covered with a warm patina which extends to the detailed brass butterfly handles. The drawers have marvelous carved wood designs.
This cabinet painted in auspicious red and gilt with block feet and a scalloped apron is especially charming with front door panels decorated with raised rectangular registers bordered in black and gilt and a bottom drawer with original metal pulls decorated with painted florals. The ornate side panel has two small and one large deeply carved registers: the bottom two registers have floral images: one has a peony, and the other is a couple under a willow tree.
As a wish for a prosperous and healthy family with many sons, this small table elegant probably was in a young couple’s bedroom to hold small personal statues and store precious items. Guanyin sits a hǒu holding lotuses in the right panel and the left has fertility symbols rats with melons. It. is perfect for creating a personal home altar and a unique wedding gift.
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