Victorian Hardwood Display Cabinet – Ornate Oriental Style Step Shelves & Carved Base, Late 19th Century Zig Zag Shelves FREE HAND Delivery

This is a truly exquisite and rare Victorian hardwood display cabinet, dating from the late 19th century. It is a striking statement piece that blends British craftsmanship with oriental inspired aesthetics, offering both visual impact and functional design.

The cabinet features an unusual asymmetrical shelving layout, commonly referred to as step shelves or zigzag shelves, which draw influence from Chinese and Japanese interiors. This irregular arrangement allows for displaying objects of varying sizes and was traditionally used for showcasing porcelain, jade carvings, bonsai, or scholarly items. The design is both decorative and practical, serving artistic as well as utilitarian purposes.

Crafted from richly stained hardwood with a deep, lustrous grain pattern characteristic of fine Victorian furniture, possibly elm, this piece is a showcase of elegant woodworking. The lower section houses a double-door cupboard, intricately carved with imagery of pine trees, cranes, and a deer, symbolising longevity and harmony in Eastern art. Inside the cupboard, the stepped shelf design cleverly continues, providing hidden but practical storage.

The cabinet retains its original brass hinges, bolts, and subtly detailed wooden knobs, which complete the antique feel. Originally, the top featured glazed side panels and a glazed door; remnants of the hinge placements and panel fittings are still visible, adding to its authentic charm. There are a few tiny gaps in the wooden backing, likely caused by natural shrinkage over time, which is typical for a piece of this age.

This unique antique is ideal for use in a living room, hallway, conservatory, or boutique setting. Its tall, open form makes it perfect for maximalist arrangements or minimalist Zen interiors. It can beautifully display ceramics, vintage books, bonsai, art glass, or heirloom figures, while the enclosed base keeps clutter out of sight in an elegant manner.

The cabinet is in very good antique condition with only minor signs of age-related wear. It remains solid and stable, with all joints and doors functioning well. A rare and collectible gem, this piece fuses Victorian elegance with Far Eastern design influences, making it a treasure for the discerning decorator.

This will be delivered to your door by professional large furniture couriers, and this service is fully included in the price.
Please refer to the photographs for a closer look at the details and view the overall condition. Feel free to message with any questions.
Height 193 cm
Width 81 cm
Depth 29 cm, including knobs to cupboard 31cm

DELIVERY.
These will be delivered by hand by a proper furniture courier.
Delivery is free to mainland England and Wales only.
There will be a cost anywhere else so please, contact us for a quote.
This will cost us between £60-80 to deliver, so if you wish collect from Lewes in East Sussex we will refund the saved courier charges.
The couriers will arrange a day and time window with you.
Delivery is to the front door. Should the item be large the courier will need a hand your end or contact us and we will arrange a more expensive two man delivery.
It will take about 2 weeks.
Please forward your telephone number after placing the order for us to pass onto the courier so they arrange a convenient date and time window for you. This lamp has had a new plug added, has been insulated tested and is in good working condition.