These cabinets were popular with imperial families and were distinguished by fine craftsmanship and ornate designs. Fine lacquer work requires numerous layers of lacquer, paint and gold, each carefully polished.

Today some are remodeled inside and used as clothes cabinets. They can also contain televisions.

Butterfly cabinet

This is a lady's dressing table or case, so called because of the butterfly shape of the brass locker on its doors. Some are decorated with butterflies.

Some contain mirrors which open out, so a lady can see herself while applying make-up and putting on jewelry.

Camphor chest

Moth-repellent camphor wood was used for these popular top-opening chests to store clothing, quilts and fabric. The chests were widely used until the mid-1990s.

Women often handed down their camphor chests to their eldest daughters as part of the dowry.

Today camphor chests are seldom used to store fabric, but they're great for general storage and are often used as low tables.

Enjoying a Chinese cabinet

1. Cabinets can be made to order. Check to make sure it can fit through your door.

2. Think first about function, then decorative value.

3. Use high-quality camphor if you want to store fabric.

4. Put camphor balls inside cabinets to prevent mold and discourage moths from eating your quilts and clothes.

5. Use a dry cloth for cleaning.

Special thanks for Sherry Yang, an expert in antique furniture for more than a decade and owner of Ja's furniture store on Anfu Road.

(Shanghai Daily June 26,2008)