Stock No.16954
An exceptionally fine Brazilian rosewood and lacquer cabinet bookcase incorporating a suite of five chinoiserie lacquered panels. It is most likely that this piece of furniture was designed as a celebration of Eastern influence on European furniture making. The japanned panels depict mountainous landscapes, figures riding through the landscape, pagodas and boats against a deep red ground. The style is reminiscent of 17th century Chinese lacquerwork, although certainly made in England by a specialist japanner. Lacquerwork of this quality was highly prized, so we believe this piece of furniture was designed around the panels, with a nod to Chinese forms, namely the four pagoda finials to the top. The rest of the cabinet embodies the elegant restraint of the Regency period, with a serpentine backboard, and three doors enclosed a fitted interior.
The fine interior includes adjustable shelves and a drop down writing slope in tooled green leather, which reveals pigeonholes in birdseye maple. The ormolu mounts are synonymous with the work of Bond Street cabinetmaker George Oakley (c.1760–1840) and the use of fine rosewood, and excellent construction, are all signatures of his work.
A London cabinet maker, attributed to George Oakley.
English, circa 1820.
Provenance: Sotheby's Fine English Furniture sale, London, Friday 15th and Friday 22nd February 1991, lot 304
Listed Price: £10,500 (+VAT where applicable)
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
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56 3⁄8"
143.2 cms |
56"
142.3 cms |
17 5⁄8"
44.7 cms |
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