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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: ben73 on July 30, 2015, 03:22:32 AM

Title: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: ben73 on July 30, 2015, 03:22:32 AM

Hello all,

I was hoping someone could tell me what this piece of furniture may be called or what it's purpose may have been?
When I bought it, it was described as being of Chinese origin, but I doubt this is correct.

(http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/ben73/?action-view&current=20150730_103437_zpsff7d0c52.jpg)

Thanks,
Ben.

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: mart on July 30, 2015, 08:31:20 AM

Hi Ben73 !!  Your pic is not loading for me to see !!

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: ben73 on July 30, 2015, 12:02:53 PM

Whoops!

Here is a link:

http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/ben73/?action=view&current=20150730_103437_zpsff7d0c52.jpg

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: mart on July 31, 2015, 04:27:48 AM

Well,, it does have a Chinese influence in the style !!  What does it look like inside ??  Can you open the doors and take a pic and take one of the dovetail joints on the drawer sides !!  Do not think its very old but can tell more with other pics !!  That top crest looks odd,, like it was cut down at some point !!  Off hand it looks like possibly a 1940`s liquor cabinet !!

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: KC on July 31, 2015, 10:27:14 AM

Also, can you please post a picture of the back of it?

Any markings/stamps/writing on it anywhere?  Under the cabinet?

It has a "hint" of Asian flair to it...just not a typical piece one would see.

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: cogar on August 01, 2015, 06:51:35 AM

Now I’ve been a thinking …. it might be a per se “repurposed” cabinet/hutch given the fact that those door hinges are big enough for a 6’ door and not the normal type of small “blind” hinges commonly seen on decorative pieces.

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: ben73 on August 02, 2015, 01:50:46 PM

Thank you to all for the comments.  I have a few more photos now.  There are no markings on the back side.
The drawers are not dovetailed.

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: mart on August 02, 2015, 04:31:24 PM

I believe that the top has been cut down !! Its been crudely cut and uneven !!  Is that a simple butt joint on the drawers ??  Still need a pic of the interior and one of the back if possible !!

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: KC on August 02, 2015, 05:03:09 PM

Mart, reminds me of a few pieces of older furniture that you would see used in slant roof/low roof areas such a living or kitchen. 

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: ben73 on August 03, 2015, 02:48:37 PM

Here's a few more pics..
The angled section has been cut to a pattern.  I know it looks rough in the pics, but it appears to be the way it was originally manufactured to me.

Any guesses as to it's original purpose, or what you would call this cabinet?

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: mart on August 03, 2015, 04:04:38 PM

OK !!  I am looking at the pic of the back !!   On the left, top part,, there is trim on the left and on the right but none on the back !!  Should be a small piece of trim along that back edge I am pretty sure !!  I still think that top was cut to that angle after it was made !!  Perhaps that is why the trim is missing !!  It could well have been done years ago so hard to tell if original or not !!

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: ben73 on August 03, 2015, 04:14:30 PM

You may be right mart.  I will look closely..

Any thoughts on what it is/was?

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: mart on August 03, 2015, 07:02:06 PM

My thinking is a 1940`s or so combination curio/storage cabinet although I would have expected shelves behind the larger door !!   Let me do some checking  and see what I can find out for you !!

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: ben73 on August 04, 2015, 12:04:40 AM

Thanks mart.

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: Pelady on August 05, 2015, 09:05:49 AM

Could this be more Japanese inspired and the back be a representation of Mount Fugi?

PeLady

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on August 05, 2015, 06:44:25 PM

I believe you've got a Chinese alter cabinet. The little "canopy" area is a shrine where a statue would go. Google altar cabinet to see similar examples. The wood looks like elm wood, which is a very sturdy but light weight hard wood. Very cool the way it is asymmetrical.

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: ben73 on August 05, 2015, 06:57:23 PM

Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

Title: Re: What is it?? (Furniture)
Post by: mart on August 05, 2015, 07:02:05 PM

I think you are right Tales,, I haven`t found anything else that could have been used for !!  Was waiting to see what Frogpatch had to say but haven`t heard back from him !!  Still think that it has been damaged and re-cut though !!