Chinese Altar-Style Cabinet, Yellow Lacquer, Pierced Spandrels & Key

Petite altar-form side cabinet finished in saturated mustard-yellow lacquer over a red and dark lacquer ground, with an everted flange top, single drawer over a pair of latching cabinet doors, and a pierced floral apron between square legs. Openwork carved spandrels flank both case sides in a scrolling foliate pattern, and the brass ring pull and elongated hasp lock plate retain their dark patina. Primitive dovetailed drawer construction with mortise-and-tenon joinery throughout; solid wood. A handwritten green-ink inscription on one side panel reads "Blanca Reina de las Gallinas" — "White Queen of the Hens" — the origin or significance of which is unconfirmed.

Key included.

CONDITION

Good overall. Finish wear throughout with rubbed highlights along carved edges revealing earlier red and dark lacquer underlayers; the top surface shows staining and light scuffing consistent with use. Minor splitting visible along one upper side seam and at the front-left corner of the top panel. Drawer and doors operate; lock hardware and key present.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 32 3/4" H × 20" W × 15 3/8" D
• Cabinet door opening: 9 1/2" H × 6" W (each door panel)
• Interior compartment: 11 1/2" × 12 1/2" × 12"
• Solid wood construction
• Primitive dovetailed drawer; mortise-and-tenon joinery
• Yellow lacquer finish over red/dark lacquer ground
• Brass ring pull; iron hasp lock plate; key included
• Handwritten inscription "Blanca Reina de las Gallinas" on side panel