Red Painted Gansu Sideboard - Early 19th Century Buddha This dramatic teak dowry chest

This dramatic teak dowry chest - Damchiya- is in its original unpolished condition

deeply stepped carved frame

It is over 230 years old and has a beautiful patina

solid and stable with age-related texture

and are set against a rich rust orange background

Red Painted Gansu Sideboard - Early 19th Century Buddha This dramatic teak dowry chestThis Gansu sideboard dates to the early 19th century and has its original painting. The front of the piece is decorated with traditional scholarly objects on a vibrant red background. The frame has a patchy 'distressed' feel and is a mixture of earthy reds and blacks. These cabinets were used by nomadic people for storage of clothes and bedding or grain although they were also used as altar cabinets for family ancestor worship. Originally, this piece