Dalbergia Cochinchinensis Begonia-Shaped Curio Display Stand, Modern Period,20th Century Modern Hongmu Tabletop Treasure Cabinet With Carved Chilong Drawer & Continuous Begonia Frame
专场: Asian Art Auction (Part II)
拍品描述
Dimensions: 78 cm (30.71 in) wide, 80.5 cm (31.69 in) high, 18.5 cm (7.28 in) deep. This 20th-century modern solid red pine tabletop display shelf features a continuous begonia flower shape. Condition and Provenance: Crafted from high-quality solid Dalbergia cochinchinensis, this shelf boasts a clear grain with striking natural mountain patterns of deep red and black. The entire structure is constructed entirely with traditional mortise and tenon joints, without any glue. Its overall design comprises a smoothly connected, curved begonia flower frame, creating well-organized, compartmentalized storage spaces suitable for various small scholar's objects and decorative items. A central drawer features a front panel engraved with paired mirage dragon motifs and equipped with antique bronze pull rings. This flower stand is supported by four inward-curving auspicious cloud-shaped feet. All layered components are thick, smooth, and flat. All curved frame edges are hand-polished, presenting a silky, rounded texture without any burrs. The entire piece is in excellent condition, with no wood cracks, damaged curved frames, or signs of insect damage. The drawers slide smoothly, the original brass hardware is free of rust, and the wood surface exhibits a naturally aged, translucent, rich luster, without any artificial staining, later repairs, or wood replacement. All carved decorative lines are clear and sharp, without any missing or severely worn areas. This treasure cabinet passed through the hands of an antique gallery specializing in Chinese hardwood furniture in Vancouver and was acquired in 2025 by a private collector in Pennsylvania specializing in Chinese hardwood study furniture and decorative art. New York and Vancouver are major trading centers for Chinese hardwood study antiques globally. Description: This modern red begonia-patterned desktop treasure cabinet is an essential decoration for a traditional Chinese study, designed to display teapots, jade carvings, porcelain, and miniature collectibles. The begonia flower shape is a timeless auspicious motif in China; the word "begonia" in Mandarin is a homophone for "full house," symbolizing wealth and good fortune for every household. The surrounding curved frame softens the hardness and heaviness of the solid wood, achieving a balance between elegant, flowing lines and practical, categorized storage. Every curved beam that forms the overall outline of the begonia is meticulously carved, showcasing exquisite solid wood craftsmanship. The staggered, tiered display cabinets, varying in height, cleverly accommodate collectibles of various sizes, creating a rich visual effect while maximizing display space. The central drawer provides concealed storage space, its front adorned with symmetrical, deeply carved dragon motifs, the dragon's body complementing the winding scrollwork. The lifelike, meticulously crafted dragon contrasts sharply with the vintage brass floral pull rings, adding a striking interplay of texture and color to the rich mahogany hue. Four elegant, ruyi-shaped arched legs support a sturdy base, providing not only strong load-bearing capacity but also enhancing the overall classical and elegant aesthetic. The red sandalwood boasts a rich natural grain, with deep red and black interwoven, and is rich in natural oils. With the passage of time, it gradually reveals a deeper and brighter hue. This high-density hardwood structure is stable and resistant to warping and cracking. This compact desktop display cabinet is of moderate size and can be placed on a desk or Buddhist altar, making it more suitable for private display spaces than large floor cabinets. In today's antique market, similar pieces that are well-preserved, retain their original carvings, original brass hardware, and have not undergone any restoration or alteration are extremely rare; most similar pieces suffer from cracked frames, repaired drawers, replaced brass hardware, or uneven wood splicing. This begonia-shaped display cabinet perfectly showcases the style of that era, with exquisite curved woodworking craftsmanship, clear and smooth carvings, and naturally beautiful grain. It is an important material reference for studying the craftsmanship of modern Chinese literati furniture and the symbolic meaning of traditional auspicious decorations. This piece is highly sought after by Chinese literati and antique collectors in North America. It not only has excellent interior decoration effects and practical collection and storage functions, but also has excellent value retention, making it an outstanding collectible among modern hardwood furniture.
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