EARLY 18TH CENTURY

Details

A GEORGE I BLACK AND GILT-JAPANNED BUREAU BOOKCASE
EARLY 18TH CENTURY
Decorated with Chinoiseries overall, the upper part enclosing four shelves and pigeon holes, the fall front with fitted interior, inscribed in chalk 'MRS SUTHERLAND MELTON', the handles and bracket feet later, restorations to japanning, the fall front and sides largely re-decorated
76 in. (195 cm.) high; 39 in. (100 cm.) wide; 22 in. (56 cm.) deep

Provenance

Christie's, London, 2 May 1969, lot 84

Special notice

This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage

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Lot Essay

The bureau-cabinet is decorated with figures in garden landscapes inspired by East India Company lacquer imports as recommended by Messrs Stalker and Parker in their celebrated Treatise on Japanning and Varnishing, 1688, a style which was considered especially suitable for the decoration of bedroom apartments. The development of japanning in England afforded furniture makers the opportunity to offer their customers western forms of furniture and at more advantageous cost than the imported lacquered equivalent.

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