Vintage Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinet w/ Mother-of-Pearl Inlay

Add an exquisite statement piece to your collection with this vintage Chinese black lacquer cabinet featuring intricate hand-painted gold detailing and ornate mother-of-pearl inlay figures. The front doors showcase a traditional garden scene with three elegant women in flowing robes, accompanied by birds, trees, and mountains. Delicate floral motifs adorn the sides, and a solid brass lock secures the cabinet doors.

Inside, the cabinet features two spacious shelves ideal for storing collectibles, books, or linens. Its tall, narrow profile makes it a perfect accent for a hallway, living room, or bedroom.

Item Details:

• Style: Chinese Export / Chinoiserie

• Finish: Black lacquer with gold hand-painted detailing

• Materials: Wood with mother-of-pearl and stone inlays, brass hardware

• Doors: Two front doors with locking brass latch and key

• Interior: Two shelves, painted black

• Materials: Wood, black lacquer, hand-painted gold detailing, carved stone inlay (possibly soapstone, jadeite, and rose quartz), brass hardware

• Style: Chinese Export / Chinoiserie

• Theme: Courtyard scene with women in traditional dress, mountains, birds, and trees

• Condition: Very good vintage condition. Light wear consistent with age, including minor surface scuffs and small lacquer imperfections primarily at corners and back. Doors function smoothly. Inlay is intact and vivid.

• Estimated Age: Mid-20th Century (1950s–1970s)

  Why this estimate:

  1. Style and Motif:
     The cabinet features classic Chinoiserie design elements popularized in the mid-20th century export market, especially post-WWII when Asian decorative furniture became fashionable in the West. The mother-of-pearl inlay with figural scenes, decorative brass lock, and gold paintwork align with export furniture made for the American and European markets during that period.

  2. Construction Details:

     • The use of lacquered MDF or softwood (as seen inside the cabinet) became common after the 1950s.

     • Hardware, such as the style of hinges and brass locking mechanism, looks machine-made rather than hand-forged, pointing to mass production techniques of the 20th century.

  3. Condition & Finish:

     • The sheen and evenness of the lacquer finish suggest modern lacquer spray applications rather than the more labor-intensive, older hand-applied lacquer from earlier periods.

     • The decorative motifs are applied with a precision and consistency common in workshop or factory production.