Red Lacquered Wooden Library with Carvings and Gilding

Chinese Library in Red Lacquered Wood, Carved and Gilded. Dimensions: Height: 203 cm. Width: 116 cm. Depth: 36 cm. Impressive Chinese library in deep red lacquered wood, richly carved and decorated with floral and bird motifs in the Orientalist style. The upper section opens with two glass doors allowing for the display of art objects or porcelain. The frames are enhanced with delicate hand-painted gilded decorations. The openwork pediment features an elegant design of finely carved scrolls, flowers, and foliage. The lower section opens with two solid doors with relief-carved panels depicting plant scenes inspired by Chinese decorative art. The lower crossbar is adorned with a spectacular openwork sculpture of confronting dragons among stylised clouds. The whole rests on curved feet and displays remarkable decorative quality. This piece perfectly illustrates the Western fascination with the Far East at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Period. Late 19th century – early 20th century. Style. Chinese / Chinoiserie – Orientalist taste. Materials. Carved wood, red lacquer, painted gilded decorations, glazing. Condition. Very good overall condition. Some slight surface wear and small occasional losses to the gilding consistent with age. Structure is sound and stable.