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Help with Ming Cabinet

Posted By: Tim
Posted Date: Feb 01, 2010 (08:29 PM)

Message
I bought this cabinet with the cloisonne vase I also posted on the message board. Both came from a wealthy estate in Palm Beach and I believe the piece is Ming (17th c.) dynasty.

Could someone confirm? If so, any suggestion on getting the 1/2 lock/latch that is missing replaced? Should I leave the lacquer work in its original condition or have it restored?

Photos can be seen at the link below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23676403@N07/sets/72157623207160963/

I'll do my best to describe the piece. The cabinet measures 24" wide, 21.5" tall (not including the stand), and 13.75" deep. The stand adds 16" to the height.

The cabinet sits on a black lacquer stand made of very light wood. I assume they used light wood because this was a traveling cabinet and it would be easier to move a light stand rather than a heavy stand.

The cabinet is covered in two type of lacquer. The borders/trim are in black lacquer with flecks of abalone/mother of pearl. The insets are swirls of red-brown/black lacquer. Christies has a table that has it described as 'burl wood' lacquer...makes some sense to me.

The lacquer in the back of the cabinet is near perfect except for the cracks that must have resulted from the wood shrinking.

The lacquer on the top, front, and sides have wear. Any suggestions if this can / should be restored (how?)?

The hardware are all a red copper ornate fixtures. One corner plate needs to be nailed back on, but the center lock/latch is missing the right half. Any suggestions on how to get it replaced? Is there any sense in trying to get the locking mechanism to work again?

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Responses:

Re: Help with Ming Cabinet - kk - Feb 06, 2010 (08:07 PM)