Chinese Shanxi Province Elmwood Open Display Bookcase with Original Brown Lacquer

Antique Chinese Shanxi Province Elmwood Open Display Bookcase with Original Brown Lacquer

Handcrafted in Shanxi Province, China, this substantial antique display bookcase is constructed from solid elmwood and retains its beautifully aged original brown lacquer finish. The years have given the surface a deep, layered patina, with areas of exposed wood and natural variation that give the piece the character you want to see in early Chinese furniture.

The tall open case is divided into a striking geometric arrangement of shelving and vertical dividers, creating individual compartments for books, ceramics, sculpture and collected objects. Across the base are four individual drawers, each fitted with simple metal hardware, providing concealed storage without interrupting the clean architectural lines of the cabinet.

What makes this piece particularly appealing is its versatility. At 54 inches wide and over 71 inches tall, it has enough scale to anchor a room while its relatively shallow 17.5-inch depth keeps it from feeling overly heavy. It could function beautifully as a library bookcase, collection cabinet, open kitchen storage, retail display or as a statement piece filled with art and objects.

The restrained construction, rich aged surface and straightforward proportions give it an authentic, understated quality that works just as well in a contemporary interior as it does among traditional Chinese or collected antique furnishings.

CIRCA: Early 20th Century

DIMENSIONS
W 54”
D 17.5”
H 71.5”