Cupboard Corner Hanging Chinoiserie Japanned Tortoishell 18th Century Baroque
11458
A RARE, LATE-17TH-EARLY-18TH CENTURY, HANGING CUPBOARD CORNER WITH GILDED CHINOISERIE JAPANNING & FAUX TORTOISHELL GROUND - This corner cupboard is decorated in one of the most fashionable styles of the Baroque period, Chinese lacquer with gilded decoration and tortoiseshell imitation ground and would have been a statement piece within the interior. - The colours, which have become muted from atmospheric conditions over time, are still striking and colourful evoking warm and richness. - It has come from a private collection where it has reputedly been for a number of generations which explains why it is in such original condition retaining the original hinges, lock and catches. - Pieces of imitation tortoishell with gilded lacquer decoration are rare, the last piece I handled was a chest of drawers about 20 years ago. - Tortoishell furniture was only affordable by royalty and the elite and the height of fashion in the 17th century, as was producing things that were not what they seemed. One of the oldest examples of faux material from the Baroque period is at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen where, in 1667, the royal bed-chamber was redecorated in gilded Chinese lacquer with a tortoiseshell imitation ground. The oak top in two sections. Doors with original iron pierced hinges, escutcheon. Decorated with chinoiserie landscapes and figurative schemes, retaining the original gilding, on a rare faux tortoishell ground. Opening to reveal three shaped shelves. Original lock and catches. The interior with original ox-blood red paintwork. Some holes where it has been hung on the wall. Natural fading from environmental conditions over time to the decoration. 1690-1720 Measures: Height 92 cm 36 in Width 59.50 23.50 Depth 39.50 15.50.
18th Century
circa 1720
Oak
Europe
Designers
Baroque (Of the period)
Japanned
GOOD. Wear consistent with age and use.
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