Asian?? What/when is this?

Thank you for the images and description of your unique cabinet. Based on the construction, joinery, hardware, and finish, here is a detailed report:

Item: Asian-style Wooden Cabinet with Pocket Doors
Dimensions: Approximately 41" wide x 36" tall
Medium: Solid hardwood, with brass hardware
Condition: Fair (evidence of wear, scratches, minor surface fading, and red dye transfer)
Distinguishing Features:

• All-wood joinery without visible screws or nails
• Brass handles and lockplate hardware with an ornamental, likely Asian motif
• Pocket doors with a geometric lattice design on the front
• Red-toned wood, likely finished with a dye-based stain rather than modern varnish
• Underside has traditional support rails

Origin and Style:
This cabinet appears to be a Chinese altar cabinet or scholar's cabinet, possibly a mid-20th century reproduction of Qing dynasty furniture. The symmetrical, geometric shelves suggest influence from Ming-style display shelving, commonly used to house curios or scholarly items. The pocket doors and ornate brass lockplate are typical of Chinese cabinetry designed for ceremonial or decorative use.

The lack of metal fasteners and use of mortise and tenon joinery (visible on the side details) strongly indicate traditional handcraftsmanship, albeit likely from the 20th century given the hardware and overall construction.

Finish Notes:
Your observation that red coloring transferred during cleaning suggests a dye-based or shellac-like finish, not a sealed modern lacquer. This is common in antique or hand-finished Asian furniture, especially pieces using redwood, elm, or other native Chinese hardwoods.

Value Estimate (Retail Market):

• Current Retail Replacement Value: $350 – $600 (depending on market and region)
• Auction/Resale Value: $150 – $300
• Condition Impact: The value would increase significantly with minor restoration to fix scratches and fading.

Recommendations:

• Avoid water-based cleaning. Use a natural polish like beeswax or Howard Feed-N-Wax, as you have.
• To preserve or enhance value, do not strip or refinish unless by a professional familiar with antique Asian finishes.
• For exact identification and valuation, especially if you intend to insure or sell the piece, consider a formal appraisal by an Asian antique specialist.

Thank you so much, it's nice to have something to say, now, when people ask me about it! Not to shabby for a ten dollar buy. It'll make a lovely home for my mineral specimens.