Chinese Butterfly Drawers, Black Lacquer h120 the central carving depicts orchids

the central carving depicts orchids a symbol of purity and is made from camphor

These large square sided buckets come from Shanxi province

as well as of servants and civil officials

Drawers were quite rare in early Chinese cabinets so this piece is a more contemporary version of a classic Ming design

They were not seen as an inferior type of seating and were used by all levels of society

Chinese Butterfly Drawers, Black Lacquer h120 the central carving depicts orchidsThe overall design of this black lacquer chest, with its slightly tapered outline, rounded frames and overhanging top, is inspired by the wonderfully elegant 'round cornered' cabinets that were produced for centuries in China. The butterfly is a symbol of joy for the Chinese, and especially of happiness in a marriage. Traditionally it was used on decorative painted cabinets and other furniture such as the wedding chests that would form part of a