Collections: Asian Art: Mirror Cabinet and Cosmetic Chest

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Mirror Cabinet and Cosmetic Chest

As part of a grand and elaborate bedroom set, this mirror cabinet and cosmetic chest would have been the center of attention in the master bedroom of an affluent Qing dynasty household, complementing the beauty of the lady of the house and symbolizing wishes for the success and prosperity of the family. The carved decoration on the mirror cabinet includes such symbols of fertility and good fortune as many sons, auspicious plants, phoenixes, and dragons. The shape of the cabinet's five back panels recalls the imperial throne in the Forbidden City and the sacred mountain of five peaks.

• Medium: Rosewood (Huang hua li), metal
• Place Made: China
• Dates: late 17th-early 18th century
• Dynasty: Qing Dynasty
• Collections: Asian Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, The Arts of China, 2nd Floor
• Accession Number: 2004.81a-g
• Credit Line: Purchase gift of the Charles Bloom Foundation, Inc. in memory of Mildred and Charles Bloom
• Image: Overall, 2004.81a-g.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2005
Mirror Cabinet and Cosmetic Chest, late 17th-early 18th century. Rosewood (Huang hua li), metal Brooklyn Museum, Purchase gift of the Charles Bloom Foundation, Inc. in memory of Mildred and Charles Bloom , 2004.81a-g (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2004.81a-g.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: The object consists of: a-cabinet (main part) with double doors behind which are three drawers b-mirror stand c-g - the five vertical panels (sections) of the screen that "lock" into place at the back of the cabinet This grand and elaborate bedroom set would have been the center of attention in the master bedroom of an affluent Qing dynasty household, complementing the beauty of the lady of the house and symbolizing wishes for the success and prosperity of the family. The carved decoration on the mirror cabinet includes such symbols of fertility and good fortune as many sons, auspicious plants, phoenixes, and dragons. The shape of the cabinet's five back panels recalls the imperial throne in the Forbidden City and the sacred mountain of five peaks. Gallery Chat Label, 2005 (shared with 82.28 and 2004.85)