Some lovely new additions now in off the latest slow boat from China

It has taken a long, long time but our latest container from Beijing finally arrived this morning, chock full of antiques, elm furniture and accessories that I selected on my last visit to China. We managed to have the shipment load and leave Beijing at the end of Janury before the Chinese New Year holidays, but delays at sea and an offload in Rotterdam before finally docking in Felixstowe has had us impatiently waiting to get our hands on the latest goodies.

There are some gorgeous Chinese antiques on this shipment, most of which have been available to order through our website since earlier in the year and many of which have already been snapped up by eager customers. Just unpacked and now on display in the showroom is this stunning low sideboard from Shanxi province in western China. The double doors and panels are set within rounded frames – a style common in the region – and delicately carved side spandrels under the extended top surface taper down to the feet. As well as the elegant shape, what we particularly love about this piece is the rich, deep red lacquer that combines with the dark wood where it has worn away to give a wonderful patina. With dimensions that are highly practical as a small sideboard or TV unit, we don’t expect this cabinet to be sitting in our showroom for long.

Another new favourite is the simply styled cabinet in elm wood shown below. Dating from the late 19th century, this piece is also from Shanxi but is very different in style from the sideboard – solid, square shaped and with little decoration other than the brass hardware (which includes the original drawer handles). The doors are set centrally with fixed panels at either side and below, mounted on traditional wooden dowels rather than metal hinges. This gives a pureness and simplicity that sits well in a modern environment and which also helps to highlight the beautiful wood itself, with its attractive, wave like grain.

Elm Shanxi Cabinet

Pair of Bronze and Silver Horses

Bronze Buddhas

Stone and Silk Tassels

We are also busy unpacking the many smaller accessories that have arrived with this container, many of which we will be photographing and adding up onto our website over the coming weeks. Look out for new stoneware, bronzes (including the lovely pair of horses with silver inlay shown above), pottery and a large array of stone, jade and silk tassels – all ideal complements to our ever expanding range of furniture.