Vintage Red Painted Apothecary Chest

A tall, narrow chest in deep red paint, with eleven drawers that look like a little archive. Nine small drawers sit in a grid of three by three, each with a round ring pull and a painted label in brush calligraphy, and two wide drawers below carry ring pulls on either side. The red has darkened and worn to a warm, rubbed finish, and the pale labels stand out against it like small signs. The base is simple, with a shaped apron between short feet. This is the form of a Chinese medicine cabinet, made to keep many small things sorted and easy to find, and it makes a good small-space storage piece today. At 23 inches wide, 13.75 inches deep and 38 inches tall, it fits beside a bed, in an entry, in a bathroom or between two windows. Use the small drawers for jewelry, keys, tea, cords or craft supplies. A single plant or lamp on top is all it needs. Specifications Era: 20th century Origin: China Material: Wood, painted finish, metal pulls Size: 23"(W) x 13.75"(D) x 38"(H) Color: Deep red with painted calligraphy labels Condition: Used. Wear consistent with age & use, including worn paint, which is part of its character & historical value. This Chinese red painted chest has eleven drawers: nine small drawers with painted calligraphy labels and ring pulls, and two wide drawers below. It measures 23 inches wide, 13.75 inches deep and 38 inches tall. It suits an entry, a bedroom or a small room that needs storage. Q&A 1. What is a Chinese medicine cabinet and how was it used? A Chinese medicine cabinet is a chest of many small drawers, each labeled, used by a practitioner or pharmacy to store and find ingredients quickly. The grid of drawers and the painted labels are typical of the form. Today it serves as storage for small items. 2. What does a red finish signify on Chinese furniture? Red is the color of good fortune, joy and prosperity in Chinese culture, and it is widely used on furniture for weddings, homes and shops. A red finish that has worn through to the wood is often seen as a sign of age. (Requires White Glove Delivery) **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio