Linen cabinet with longevity carving

The earliest forms of storage were boxes that in turn developed to the larger chest. The basic form of the chest appears to have continued until the advent of the chair and a more sophisticated mode of living during the Song dynasty (960CE – 1279CE). The addition of doors to the chest and then feet reflected a different way of storing articles.

From these humble beginnings, cabinets evolved to become works of art as well as being functional items representing lifestyles, beliefs and tastes of the time. By the Ming dynasty (1368CE – 1644CE) cabinets appeared in different forms and a variety of sizes and designs. Some had specific uses, such as certain display cabinets, but in general the cabinet performed a flexible role.

One feature of Chinese cabinets is that many of them have doors and a centre stile that could be easily removed. Being able to remove these elements allows the user to store large items and to then close the doors around it.

This cabinet has phoenix carving on the doors symbolising a wish for long life. The top section has panels of opera scenes.