of rectangular form, the doors of the hat chest and cabinet opening from removable center stiles and painted with harmonious scenes of boys at play under the supervision of elegant ladies in a luxurious pavilion setting amidst towering trees and cranes flying overhead, all enframed by a border of alternating dragon and phoenix within classic scrolling lotus above a shape apron of boisterous fu-lions, the sides with three shaped reserves enclosing floral sprays, the interior of black lacquer with a single shelf containing two short drawers, the foliate-rimmed cloud-pattern metal mounts intricately chased with pairs of writhing dragons, with a six-character Wanli incised mark in a line on the black lacquered back (4)

Enid, Countess of Kenmare (1892-1972), Villa La Fiorentina, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France.
Mr. and Mrs. Harding L. Lawrence (acquired Villa La Fiorentina fully furnished from Roderick Cameron, son of Lady Kenmare living there from 1970-1999).
Sotheby's New York, 23rd May 2001, lot 355.
Collection of Ann and Gordon Getty, San Francisco, California.

The surface of both cabinets shows signs of previous restoration; there has been general consolidation and overpaint to areas of loss, particularly along the edges. The interior shelves and drawers are replaced in one and most likely on the other as well. One cabinet has had all four feet replaced and with later baitong covers.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

These large two-section cabinets, usually made in pairs, were often placed side by side.  Lacquer decorated examples of the period frequently have feminine themes such as the 'mother and sons' subject matter of the present pair. This type of decoration would have been suitable for the spacious elegant rooms belonging to the women of the house. The  lower section of the cabinets was used to store the multitude of elaborate robes needed for the many and various occasions of privileged life and the upper section was reserved for the headgear and other valuable items.

A related pair of cabinets but of different dimensions and decorated with shaped reserves is in the Norton Museum in Palm Beach, Florida. A wardrobe with 'hat chest' of similar size and proportion but with branching flowers on the front panels, dated to the early 17th century, is illustrated in Michel Beurdeley, Chinese Furniture, New York, 1979, p.129.