Of rectangular form, comprising a tall cabinet, with doors opening from removable centre stiles, painted on a red ground with with figure scenes in a palace enviroment, all enclosed by meandering floral scrolls, the sides and shaped apron similarly decorated, the interior lacquered black, fitted with metal hinges, plates and pulls. Two doors that opens to reveal a shelf and drawers. Height 183 cm. Width 119 cm. Depth 59 cm.
Wear.
The Danish Diplomat and Counsul General for Denmark, Ove Christian Lunn (1873-1935), Lunn had a long diplomatic career and was posted 1910-1918 in Oslo, 1918-1924 in San Fransisco, 1924-28 in Melbourne, 1928-1935 in Shanghai. These items were aquired when posted in Shanghai, thence by descent within the family.
Lee Yu-Kuan writes in Oriental Lacquer Art, that lacquer cabinets were 'used by high officials for storing the clothing and accessories required for their appearances before the emperor or their superiors. Hats and other headdresses were kept in the top section, while the main part of the cabinet contained court costumes and various accessories.'