The cabinet is designed in a top-box style, with a simple structure, but exquisite woodworking craftsmanship. Both the front and side panels of the cabinet are joined with hidden tenons, maintaining a unified and complete appearance. The interior features alternating light and dark wood strips or dovetails, with the cabinet doors having round cutouts for the strips. The cabinet frame and door panel edges are adorned with full-rounded nail heads, creating a fresh and distinct contour that enhances the three-dimensional effect within the flat surface.
The cabinet doors slightly bulge when closed, and the central panels, concealed compartments, and teeth strips are embellished with colorful and intricate inlaid designs of mother-of-pearl. The mother-of-pearl is carefully selected and skillfully arranged to depict floral and bird patterns, with natural and vibrant colors that shine brilliantly and create a fantastical and colorful scene. The delicate and subtle craftsmanship of the mother-of-pearl carving brings out clear and detailed depictions, showcasing a strong sense of three-dimensionality and lifelike representation.
Typically, top-box cabinets have a plain and straightforward appearance, with minimal variations, which may sometimes create a sense of dullness and oppression in an indoor setting. However, the inclusion of a painting of blooming branches and birds inlaid on this cabinet adds a touch of ancient charm, evoking a feeling of being immersed in an idyllic paradise.
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Featured in the 2017 Beijing Poly Spring Auction