Research:
Of mahogany. The stepped top above frieze of flower-head paterae set inside lozenge pattern, the doors to the front with arched frame of stylized foliate form, with stylized gilt escutcheon, opening to an adjustable shelved interior, the base of bombé form, set to the top with single long drawer fitted with a leather tablet, with central stylized gilt escutcheon flanked by pull handles, above two short drawers with single drop handle issuing from a foliate star framing a central escutcheon, above a single drawer with drop handles flanking a central escutcheon, the base centred below with stylized foliate motif, to the canted front corner stylized foliate carving leading to shaped feet with stylized brackets to each side.
Provenance:
UK Private Collection
This cabinet is an extremely rare example of cabinet furniture that conforms almost exactly to an ambitious rococo design in Thomas Chippendale’s celebrated publication, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director of 1754 (figure 1). The piece follows the illustrated design, differing in only minor details of the carving and in the presence of a frieze, of delicate flowerhead and lattice-work form, to the top of the cabinet.
Full research report available on request.