Two Drawer Carved Elm Table h105 crisp detail and rich bright

crisp detail and rich bright colours

grey green lacquer

decorated with a traditional design in gold leaf showing flowers and animals

and civil officials

These lovely tassels have a dark circular stone carved to show a Chinese dragon

Two Drawer Carved Elm Table h105 crisp detail and rich brightShanxi, circa 1870 This unusual chest is from Shanxi in central China. The original dark finish, still largely in place on the sides, has worn on the front and top surface to reveal the paler wood underneath and to leave an interesting, aged patina. The thick top, in deep grained elm wood, extends over three drawers, which are each decorated with deep relief carving and fitted with simple ring handles. The carved detail is all original, with the