This is a solid bookcase from Shanxi Province, North Central China. It is solidly built in the traditional method. The wood shelving can take a good quantity of heavy books. The purpose is practicality. It may have been a storage cabinet once, but the doors were removed and the sides reinforced. The center bar which used to hold the doors in place has been attached permanently into the top and base of the bookcase. The black lacquer finish was applied in the restoration process. The bookcase is a very functional piece and the simple style fits into most decorative style.