An antique Chinese export Ming style brown-painted elm wardrobe, early 20th Century
28 March 2025
Description

It is an antique chinese wardrobe / armoire, with three internal shelves. Materials: Solid timber, most likely Elmwood Period: Ming (or Qing) dynasty - am unsure until I have it appraised Condition: Original condition (no restoration) with one chip in the top panel Provenance: Personally purchased on the outskirts of Shanghai 17 years ago and shipped back to Australia

Dimensions

Dimensions: H 1700mm, W 1000mm D 450mm

Acquired from
Other
For sale
Yes
Answered within 1 day
By Delia
Mar 29, 16:04 UTC
Fair Market Value
$2,500 - $3,500 AUD
Suggested Asking Price $4,000 AUD
What does this mean?

Hi Karla,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This wardrobe combines elements of traditional Chinese joinery with western cabinetmaking practices, suggesting that this was made for export and/or the tourist trade rather than use by natives or purists of Chinese furniture design aesthetics. Some examples feature lavish and/or extensive decoration in the form of japanning, applied hardstone details or bright colors but yours - with its comparatively plain ornamentation and color gives it universal appeal and makes it suitable for every interior.
While some online retailers are currently asking high four-figure prices for their examples, when comparable examples come to auction, they usually sell for fair-market prices between $2,500-3,500.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Chinese export Ming style brown-painted elm wardrobe
early 20th Century
Of rectangular section, with outset molded cornice over two paneled cabinet doors opening to a shelved interior, over a shaped apron on straight feet. Unsigned.
Height: 1700mm (67 inches), width: 1000mm (39-3/8 inches); depth: 450mm (17-3/4 inches)
CONDITION: This wardrobe appears to be in generally good condition with some minor wear commensurate to age and use, including scuffing to paint on the front of the base molding. Client reports one chip to top panel.
PROVENANCE: Purchased in Shanghai around 2008 and shipped to Australia
$AUD 2,500-3,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia

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