Preliminary identification

Chinese Export Lacquered Sideboard, c. 1960s-1980s

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A striking three-drawer, two-door cabinet featuring a classic red and black lacquer palette with hand-painted botanical motifs.

Story

The vibrant red color of this cabinet is no accident; in Chinese culture, red symbolizes joy, luck, and the warding off of evil spirits. During the mid-20th century, pieces like this were highly sought after by Western decorators looking to add a touch of…

Maker / Origin

While likely produced in a specialized workshop rather than by a single named artist, this cabinet was created by artisans trained in the traditional lacquerware centers of regions like Zhejiang or Guangdong.

Condition & Value

The piece shows visible wear and scuffing along the edges and top surface, which is typical for lacquer furniture of this age. Some of the 'distressing' may be intentional to give it an aged look, but the surface scratches suggest genuine use. The hardware appears original and intact.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD