Cabinet c. 1765

This cabinet was created by Claude Charles Saunier in France, sometime around the late 18th century. It exemplifies the European fascination with Asian aesthetics, a trend known as "chinoiserie," and was a popular motif during that time. This type of cabinet was often commissioned by wealthy patrons, highlighting the class dynamics inherent in artistic production and consumption. The cabinet is made from a black lacquered surface and adorned with gilded bronze mounts and a marble top. Its imagery, featuring flora and fauna, offers an idealized vision of Asia, filtered through a European lens. This orientalism reveals more about European fantasies and projections than any authentic understanding of Asian cultures. Consider the labor and resources involved in creating such an object, reflecting global trade networks and colonial power structures. As you look at this piece, ponder how cultural exchange can sometimes perpetuate unequal power relations.