Antiques’ definitions: China display cabinets
In England, china display cabinets they were introduced in the late 1600s and they served the purpose of showing items and collections of china.
Later all sorts of items and collectibles were put on display, china, porcelain, glass, ceramics, silver and so on.
They typically would have a large glass front door or more, and glass to the sides as well, to allow a better view and get more light inside the cabinet.
The shelves were not necessarily very thick, as they weren’t supposed to bear much weight, as for books in bookcases.
There could be a panelled section in the doors to allow for more storage, as pieces would be out of sight and could be stacked.
China display cabinets were important pieces that had to be attractive enough to work as a container for pieces that were to be seen and enjoyed.
That’s why they are often fancy and ornamentally rich, with good woods used and fine design implemented in crafting the pieces in all styles throughout the centuries.
