Antique Painted Chinese Apothecary-Style Cabinet with 57 Drawers and Calligraphy
Antique Painted Chinese Apothecary-Style Cabinet with 57 Drawers and Calligraphy
Antique Painted Chinese Apothecary-Style Cabinet with 57 Drawers and Calligraphy
This extraordinary antique painted Chinese apothecary cabinet, formed with 57 individual drawers and richly decorated with hand-painted calligraphy, is a visually commanding and deeply atmospheric storage piece with exceptional presence.
Key Features
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Antique Chinese apothecary cabinet with 57 individual drawers
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Hand-painted Chinese calligraphy across every drawer front and frame
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Rich earthy orange top coat over a dragged brown base paint
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Vertical calligraphy panels framing the façade
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Deep drawers, several internally divided into compartments
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Primitive iron drop-ring drawer pulls with original patina
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Raised and fielded sides and top with strong architectural form
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Ornate fretwork-cut skirting along the lower front edge
Full Description
Dating to the early 1900s, this exceptional Chinese apothecary cabinet is a striking example of utilitarian furniture elevated through decorative craftsmanship. The wide-faced façade is densely adorned with hand-painted Chinese calligraphy, extending across all 57 drawers as well as the vertical outer stiles and horizontal top rail, creating a powerful sense of rhythm and visual structure.
The surface is finished in a layered paint scheme, with a dragged brown base visible beneath a richly saturated earthy orange top coat. Natural wear, thinning and paint loss allow the black calligraphic script to stand out with dramatic contrast, giving the cabinet a surface that feels animated by age and use rather than restored or overworked.
Architectural interest is further enhanced by raised and fielded panels to the sides and top, while the fretwork-cut skirting introduces a refined decorative detail at the base. Each drawer is fitted with a primitive iron drop-ring pull, darkened through decades of handling. The drawers themselves are notably deep, with several internally sectioned into compartments, offering highly practical storage despite the cabinet’s strong decorative identity.
Attempts to translate sections of the calligraphy suggest references to agricultural labour and mining, with the upper horizontal inscription possibly reading “Dig and dig with great effort.” While precise translation remains challenging, the text adds cultural depth and historical narrative, elevating the piece beyond simple storage furniture.
To explore the wider history, symbolism and traditional use of Chinese multi-drawer cabinets, you can read our journal article on Chinese apothecary-style cabinets and calligraphic storage furniture.
Dimensions
Height: 167 cm
Width: 100.5 cm
Depth: 54 cm
Materials
Solid wood construction, layered painted finish, hand-painted calligraphy, iron drop-ring drawer pulls
Condition
As expected with an antique of this age, the cabinet displays visible signs of ageing, including surface wear, paint losses, fading and edge abrasions. These features contribute significantly to its authenticity and character. Overall condition is good and entirely commensurate with its early 20th-century origins.
Origin / Period
Circa early 1900s
Provenance: China
Styling Suggestions
With its tall, narrow proportions and strong vertical emphasis, this cabinet works beautifully in hallways, studios or alcove spaces. It pairs particularly well with neutral backdrops and natural textures, allowing the calligraphy and patinated surface to remain the focal point.
FAQ
Is this cabinet suitable for everyday storage?
Yes. The drawers are deep and robust, with several compartmented interiors ideal for organising small items, documents or collections.
Is the painted surface original?
The layered paint, patina and wear patterns strongly suggest an original or period finish consistent with early 1900s Chinese furniture.
What does the calligraphy represent?
While exact translation is difficult, elements appear to reference labour such as agriculture and mining, adding cultural and historical depth.
Unique Points
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Rare 57-drawer configuration with calligraphy on every drawer
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Strong original painted surface with layered patina
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Combination of decorative artistry and functional storage
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Architectural presence with authentic age and wear
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Early 20th-century Chinese provenance
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