Antique Chinese Shrine Cabinet or Display Cabinet

Antique Chinese Shrine Display Cabinet (Antique Chinese Shrine Cabinet or Display Cabinet). Traditionally, these cabinets were used as a shrine for daily meditation and prayer by a Chinese family and in which they would have placed keepsakes, offerings and other items honoring deceased family ancestors. Today it can be used in the same manner and also as a display cabinet for collectibles, china or stemware. The lacquer finish is a combination of different pigments to make the wood resemble Zitan wood--a very desirable look. The fine pierced carvings on the shrine contrasts with the simple solid lines of the coffer base. The coffer portion of the cabinet offers additional storage space. On either side of the coffer base are elongated carved and scalloped spandrels. There are two stretchers between the side legs. The lotus bud carved finials were originally lacquered gold. The top cornice features a running pattern, giving extra dimension to the shrine. The top panels are carved in various flowering patterns. The side panels feature an interesting Buddhist symbolism lattice work pattern. Recently added are two glass shelves and two overhead interior display lights. Additionally two metal straps have been fastened to the back for support. Antique Asian Furniture & Furnishings: Antique Chinese Shrine Cabinet or Display Cabinet from Shanxi Province, China.