Tibetan Red & Gold Painted Cabinet

This late-19th century storage cabinet is intricately hand-painted in the Sino-Tibetan style with brightly pigmented gouache paints in a palette of red, yellow, green, and black. The cabinet front is divided into eight inset panels, each painted with round medallions of lotus flowers and leaves against a golden yellow field. Surrounding the central floral image are scroll meanders that form into two dragons facing a flaming pearl, a loose depiction of the “twin dragon” motif which embodies yin-yang forces of dualism. The middle four panels are hinged doors that open to a simple interior fitted with a single shelf. The cabinet is complete with a red lacquer frame painted with gilt spirals and a bottom apron brushed with whimsical clouds.