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Cabinet base, etagere top. Base: rectangular case, carved feet, four pierced panels at front, center panels function as cupboard doors, sides inlaid with floral motifs, case surmounted by pierced gallery with fu dog finials. Etagere: three shelves supported by dragon entwined columns at the front, the pierced wood back has small human figure finials.
étagères
carving (processes)
inlay (process)
ivory (tooth component)
piercing
hardwood
Étagère
Étagère
"Cherished Possessions": The International Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876 to celebrate the nation's centennial was a watershed event in which American manufacturing emerged as the equal of any other nation. The vast trade show exerted widespread cultural influence as well, stimulating interest in the nation's history and spawning a craze for Asian crafts.Elizabeth Morrison purchased this cabinet from the Chinese display at the Exposition and brought it back to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to occupy a place of honor in the parlor of her Federal-style house.
Used At Centennial Exposition,
Centennial Exposition (1876)
Unknown
China
79 3/4 x 30 5/8 x 15 1/16 (HxWxD) (inches)
Gift of Ralph May
1971.479
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