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 Cupboards, Shelves & Cabinets
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A bit of history
Ancient Chinese cupboards, shelving or cabinets
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Shelves were used to store books, and display objects. They are of average height. They sometimes include a bottom chest or a set of drawers along the middle. Generally of simple lines the edges are at times carved to offer an openwork design.
When the four sides are in lathwork they are much like the pantry cupboards which are smaller and made of a lesser quality wood.
The « wanli » cabinet belongs in the Chinese Scholar´s office; it is a cabinet in which the scholar displayed his art objects. The shelves are staggered and there is a storage area for documents. « Wanli » cabinets were greatly valued by the Chinese.
The two other types of cupboards are:
The elegant round angled, trapeze-shaped cabinet; and the sharp angled cabinet, generally much larger and rectangular, they are found in various parts of the house. The larger « wardrobe » cabinet usually has a top coffer in which out-of-season clothes are stored.
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