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In Chinese culture, putting a lock on a door was considered an insult. Despite having many relatives and servants living in the same household, an entrance to a room was never sealed. So, instead the Chinese developed a wonderful style of very secure cabinets like this black walnut warrior cabinet. These were built as sturdy safe houses to secure items from the untrustworthy. This particular cabinet, with its dark demeanour and hand carved designs, would have belonged to a member of the warrior class in the north where darker, heavier furniture was common. He would have used it to store his weapons and trophies from war, making it a very significant piece in his home. The tools of war were how he defended his honor and the honor of his ancestors, so this cabinet would have had cultural importance to him and his family. In your home this antique black walnut cabinet will retain the dignity it gained in the service of a Chinese warrior. The beautiful black walnut gives this piece an exceptional sense of quality and longevity. Supporting the cabinet’s main structure are four smooth columns, elevating the cabinet to a comfortable level for daily access. The cabinet’s 3 sliding drawers recommend convenient ways to store and organize your belongings, and add a beautiful symmetry to the piece’s overall design. Complementing the 3 drawers are the 4 vertical panels which create the antique’s main visual impression. The two central panels are mounted on hinges and open to reveal the cabinet’s main storage area, and lend a sturdy quality that makes opening and closing them very satisfying. Atop the piece are three more decorated panels that mirror the drawers at the cabinet’s base, crowning the enviable image of this outstanding Chinese antique. The creator of the piece achieved a majestic effect by alternating thirds and fourths throughout the piece, a practice based on the aesthetic principles of the Greek golden ratio. The three drawers framing the four main panels are pleasing to the eye and look larger than they really are. In addition to its proportions, the beauty of this piece is created by detailed carvings found all over the cabinet. Carved images framed by wooden embossing, like any other kind of artwork, will bring your home a sense of sophistication and luxury that will win the esteem of your family and guests. The quality of the black walnut gives a special dark sheen to the carvings that draw the eye and add a great visual interest to the piece. This effect is accented by the heavy iron rings that make handling the piece convenient and worthwhile. |
