A WALNUT DOUBLE-WIDE, SQUARE CORNER CABINET, FANGJIAO (19483)
SOLD
China, Shanxi Province
A double-wide, square-corner, low cabinet in hataomu (walnut). The top has a flush-fitting panel surrounded by a thick walnut frame. The interior contains a simple shelf within each pair of doors. The floating panel double doors are hinged from hidden interior pivots in the door frame. To install and remove the doors, a technique was employed whereby a groove the width of the pivot was sloped into the lower socket. The upper pivot is first installed with the door in the fully open position, the bottom of the door is raised to a point where the lower pivot clears the frame, and then the pivot slides back down the loped groove to its lower socket. This technique required precise workmanship, but results in a smooth, flush surface without hinges to complicate the design. The scrolling circular brass, back plates and pulls for the doors are older but it is unknown if they are original to the cabinet. The recessed apron at the base is carved in a clear pattern with a beaded edge. Restoration includes minor repair to interior shelves.
47 ½” wide, 19” deep, 37” high