These cabinets are described in the list of gifts from the Qianlong Emperor as, ‘small, red carved lacquer cabinets, one pair’. On the doors of the cabinet are depicted picturesque scenes of scholars, pavilions and peasants, set against a landscape of mountains and rivers. It is possible that in addition to demonstrating the splendour of Chinese design and workmanship, the emperor was also conscious of depicting China as a land of abundance. Indeed, the emperor’s second edict to George III stated that, ‘our Celestial Empire possess all things in prolific abundance and lacks no product within its own borders’.

This pair of red lacquer cabinets was highly valued by George III and was later displayed in the Green Closet at Frogmore House (pictured).