<p>
	The cabinet is a piece of furniture for storing and protecting precious items and collections. &nbsp;It arrived in France &nbsp;from Italy, Germany and Flanders during the Renaissance period. &nbsp;It is often mounted on a stand and usually comprises doors which open on a series of drawers. &nbsp;Its structure is architectural, often with columns, &nbsp;richly carved and/or decorated with mother-of-pearl and ivory. &nbsp;It was very fashionable in the 17th C under Louis XIV , less so in the 18th C, &nbsp;except for those in Chinese lacquer following the fashion for oriental items introduced by the India Company.<br />
	The cabinet has been replaced since the late 19th C by the lighter display cabinet, the Art Nouveau display cabinet or Art Deco glass cabinet still being very popular.</p>