A good George I period japanned bureau-cabinet, in the manne...

Hammer

£6,000

A good George I period japanned bureau-cabinet, in the manner of John Belchier (1699-1753) originally fitted with blind panelled hinged doors, later replaced with mirrored panels (the original panels present) the arched top dressed with three carved gilt torch finials, the panelled doors opening to reveal a divisional red stained fully fitted interior over three drawers, over two candle slides, the fall-front enclosing a further japanned divisional interior, over two short and two long drawers, raised on stepped bun feet, 215cm high, 98cm wide, 56cm deep

Provenance: The J & S Hemming Collection, Bourton-on-the-Water & London

References and Comparisons:

See Erddig’s (Wrexham’) ‘black japan Cabinate’ (sic) c1720 in the National Trust Collection

See similar motifs references in John Stalker / George Parker’s ‘Treatise of Japanning and Varnishing’, c1688

More Information

Both original blind panels are present and have been historically removed from the doors and replaced a considerable time ago with mirrored panels. The lacquer and gilding throughout reflects an even patination and ageing but is fresher and brighter than the loose blind panels, which are evenly crusty and fatigued, this may suggest a re conditioning or re touching of the gilding historically or may principally reflect the ageing and effects caused by the panels being directly above the two candle slides. Each of the three pediment finials are present, the central example is seemingly a sympathetically produced later replacement. Otherwise the condition is generally sound throughout commensurate with age and usage. The drawer fronts appear original from the front but the top two smaller drawers (only) have internal scars suggesting the possibility of historic alterations. Generally a very pleasing finish throughout, in certain lights one could suggest a light greening to the finish, but we do not consider this to be a true green japanned finish, hence the catalogue description as black. This piece is consigned for sale from the J & S Hemming collection where it has been privately owned, last residing in Burghfield House, Bourton-on-the-water, where it has been sat in the entrance hall for many years.