Elmwood Wedding Cabinet, 19th Century
Milverton, United Kingdom
Hassle-free returns
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Easy returns (14 days)
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£75 flat-fee return if you change your mind (UK mainland only)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Excellent
Style
Antique, Traditional
Item Location
Milverton, United Kingdom
Product Details
Description
Origin: Shandong
Period: 19th AD
Timber: Elmwood
Size: 98cm x64cm x89cm
Details: phoenix-tail on drawers; crane & lotus ( yi-lu-lian-sheng) medallion on the doors; the side panels are plum blossom and lotus;
This particular cabinet was used as a linen cabinet. It would have been crafted as dowry for a wedding, so is also often referred to as a wedding cabinet. Wedding furniture was constructed using very sturdy timbers to ensure ever-lasting service. The furniture was often rich in symbolism as a wish for the couple to have a long and prosperous life.
This cabinet has relief carvings on the front. The drawer fronts feature phoenix tail carvings; the phoenix was traditionally used to represent the empress, and is also known as the king of birds. The symbolism of the phoenix includes prosperity and long life.
The circular designs on the door fronts feature a heron and lotus. One heron translates into Chinese as “yi lu”. Chinese has different words for lotus, one of which is “lian hua”. A lotus going through its growth stage could be translated as “lian sheng”. Another meaning for “yi lu” is all the way, and “lian sheng” can also mean continuous promotion. Heron and lotus (Yi lu lian sheng) can therefore be taken to mean “all through your career may you have successive promotions”.
The side panels feature lotus flowers. The lotus is a plant closely associated with Buddhism. Living in mud, the flower gows beautiful and clean, and so is a metaphor for the person of pure mind whose thoughts are not distracted by the clamours of daily life. The lotus is also a symbol of long life.
The earliest forms of the cabinet were boxes that in turn developed into larger chests. The basic form of the chest appears to have continued until the advent of the chair and a more sophisticated mode of living, perhaps around the Song dynasty (1127A.D. - 1279A.D.). The addition of doors to the chest and then feet reflected a different way of storing articles. By the Ming dynasty (1368A.D. – 1644A.D.) cabinets appeared in different forms and a variety of sizes and designs. Some had specific uses, such as book cabinets, kitchen cabinets and linen cabinets, but in the main cabinets performed a flexible role. From these humble beginnings, cabinets evolved to become works of art as well as being functional items representing lifestyles, beliefs and tastes of the time. One feature of Chinese cabinets is that many of them have doors and centre stiles that could be easily removed. This design served two purposes. Firstly, in a society that folded its clothes rather than hung them, removing the centre stile meant long items such as robes could be neatly stored across the length of the shelf. Secondly, being able to remove doors also allowed the user to store large items and to then close the doors around them.
Wear Condition
Excellent
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
This item will be delivered by Vinterior's delivery partner, Proovia. Find out more about Proovia and delivery at Vinterior here.
Made to Last
The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team and price match guarantee, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.
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Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
