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Yuanjiaogui Cabinet
Solo project
2024
Yuanjiaogui cabinet
Designed and built by
Hugo Nakashima-Brown
This project examines the construction and movement of a 16th-century Fujianese yuanjiaogui cabinet through full-scale drawing, modeling, and fabrication. The work focuses on proportion, pivot geometry, and traditional joinery.
A historical reference showing the cabinet partially disassembled was used to identify the location and behavior of the pivot.
Antique veneer, discarded over a century ago, was selected and reprocessed for use in the cabinet panels.
Moldings and joinery were cut on the posts and lower rails before being fit to the top assembly.
Door panels were assembled and glued using traditional hide glue.
The case was leveled, and the central mullion was cut and fit.
Hardware components were fabricated from nickel silver.