Red Painted Gansu Sideboard - Early 19th Century Brass Bound Cabinets The base is simple and

The base is simple and made from hand crafted wrought iron

They are known in Japan as toro meaning 'light tower'

These holes not only served as places for small oil lamps or candles but vitally

Two drawers sit neatly above a double-door cupboard

The mould is then heated and molten brass or bronze is poured into the empty clay mould

Red Painted Gansu Sideboard - Early 19th Century Brass Bound Cabinets The base is simple andThis 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