A Chinese Hardwood Apothecary or Scholar's Chest Yaoxiang

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 18th century, probably huanghuali wood, of rectangular form, the two hinged doors mounted with an engraved circular brass lock plate and rectangular hinges, opening to an arrangement of five drawers of varying sizes, each fitted with shaped brass escutcheon and pendant pulls, the sides mounted with bail handles, the case constructed with exposed dovetail joinery and raised on a molded platform base.

The form is closely related to guanpixiang (官皮箱), or scholar's seal chests, although distinguished by its fixed rather than hinged top.

13 x 10 3/4 x 9 1/4 in.

Private Collection, North Carolina

Very good estate condition; tarnishing to brass hardware; loss of some old nails; some scratches to the sides; the back with some large wood cracks; very good construction details; right door is slightly loose.