{"product_id":"fine-carved-18th-century-three-drawer-coffer","title":"Fine carved 18th century three drawer coffer","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional 18th-century Chinese three-drawer coffer (liansanchu) is a masterclass in regional craftsmanship, balancing robust, functional design with deeply symbolic relief work. Serving historically as a practical storage chest and an altar for family worship, this piece features a thick, overhanging top over a recessed chassis, flanked by elegant, fluidly carved spandrels (yazi) that taper down the sides to ground the silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe coffer’s facade is meticulously organized into a balanced grid of carved panels, displaying an exquisite, aged patina where remnants of original green and gold pigments peer through the naturally weathered grain of the timber.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSymbolic Motifs \u0026amp; Interpretations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe central focus of the cabinet is a masterfully carved medallion flanked by intricate geometric panels, each dense with traditional auspicious meaning:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Spotted Deer (Lu): Captured in a circular high-relief medallion, a spotted deer stands beneath the sheltering boughs of a pine tree. In Chinese iconography, the word for deer (lu 鹿) is a homophone for wealth or official salary (lu 祿). The deer represents longevity and prosperity, often associated with Shoulao, the God of Longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The Pine Tree and Lingzhi: Shading the deer is a stylized pine tree, an evergreen that signifies endurance, constancy, and long life through adversity. Drifting near the upper edge of the medallion are cloud-like formations resembling lingzhi (sacred mushrooms of immortality), doubling down on the wishes for a long, healthy life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Floral Diaper Work (Wanzi Variations): The panels flanking the central medallion and detailing the upper drawer fronts feature a dense, diaper-pattern lattice punctuated by florets. This repeating diamond and floral grid evokes the continuous, unbroken flow of good fortune.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The Interlocking Fretwork: The two lower-outer panels feature an interlocking geometric fretwork reminiscent of the traditional interlocking \"T\" or wan character matrix. This classic pattern represents eternal continuity, stability, and a wish for ten thousand years of uninterrupted harmony for the household.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardware and Patina\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe coffer retains its classic, understated iron hardware, featuring simple circular backplates and drop-ring pulls that complement the organic textures of the wood. The lower central drawer shows a compelling tonal variation where the pigments have worn away to reveal the warm, golden hues of the wood grain beneath, a testament to centuries of touch and utility.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith its superb proportions, dynamic side spandrels, and rich layers of protective symbolism, this coffer is both a striking sculptural statement and a profound piece of cultural history—ideal as a focal piece in a contemporary entryway, living space, or dining room.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eelm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e111cm W x 67cm D x 80cm H\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuperb piece with very fine carving.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Humble House gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54167451337026,"sku":null,"price":4850.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/9271\/8658\/files\/ye9oxr_jpg.jpg?v=1779859586","url":"https:\/\/bazaa.com.au\/products\/fine-carved-18th-century-three-drawer-coffer","provider":"Bazaa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}