Research
Of polychrome penwork decorated wood. The canted rectangular top above a pair of doors, each decorated with an ebonized ground with polychrome chinoiserie scenes of figures in gardens, above a canted base, the sides decorated with floral penwork decoration. The interior with six variously sized drawers decorated with further penwork chinoiserie garden scenes, the inner doors decorated with ebonized ground and polychrome chinoiserie scenes of figures in gardens. Decorated overall with foliate scrolling penwork borders and frieze. The stand with inset frieze on square tapering legs terminating in turned cylindrical feet.
Marks:
Some original written labels to the inside of the drawers including Cypraa, Helix, and Bulla
Provenance:
Private Canadian Collection
The present cabinet belongs to a small group of similarly exquisitely decorated pieces, that can be attributed to the same maker. One of these pieces is illustrated in Marked London Furniture 1700-18401 and described as “a magnificent cabinet on stand with polychrome penwork decoration in the Chinese taste. It is inscribed in pencil ‘Made by George Wimpear in the employ of Mr Loudon, December 16th 1821’ (figure 1). It is not known whether Mr. Loudon was a master and George Wimpear a journeyman, or whether the former was a patron. The interior of the signed piece is decorated with scenes around Clifton, Bristol, and may have been executed there.
Full research report available on request.