Lot 33
  • 33

A George I black-japanned and parcel-gilt bureau cabinet in the manner of John Belchier circa 1725

Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 USD
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Description

  • height 7 ft. 6 in.; width 41 in.; depth 22 3/4 in.
  • 228.6 cm; 104.1 cm; 57.8 cm
the underside of the top section bearing a paper label with an 18th century inked inscription Long . . . . .   Decoration extensively restored, later molding and underframing to base, feet later, fitted with later mirrors to the doors.

Condition

Overall good restored condition; decoration extensively restored; fitted with later mirrors to the doors; later finials; later handles and keyhole escutcheons; the upper section with some small chips and losses to the black japanning to the outside of the right cupboard door and to the molded edges of the inside of each cupboard door; the underside with some later support blocks; the lower section with small chips to the japanning to the top right corner of the molded edge of the slant front; old repaired diagonal crack to the left side of the frieze above the loper; some age cracks to the side panels; the underside with a later frame to the edges and with a later molded edge to the base; later bun feet with chips and losses to the gilding and the gesso; old worm damage to the back boards; the drawers with later runners; some restoration to the drawer linings; later green velvet lined interior beneath the slide; overall with old scratches, chips and wear.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This bureau cabinet bears similarities to the work of John Belchier, a cabinet-maker recorded at The Sun, on the south side of St. Paul's Church Yard in 1717 until his death in 1753 at the age of seventy. Some of his furniture bear trade labels, including one cut as either a square or circle and alternatively spelt 'Bel-Chier' or 'Belchier.' A more informative rectangular label, headed by his shop sign - an ornamental sun - appears on the reverse of a burr walnut bureau cabinet sold Sotheby's, London, November 14, 1980, lot 30. It notes that Belchier was a maker of 'fine Peer and Chimney-Glasses, and Glass Sconces, Likewise all Cabbinet Makers Goods.'

Belchier, whose name is thought to reflect Huguenot origins, was possibly the son of another important craftsman, also John Belchier, who may well be the tradesman who worked extensively for Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu, at Boughton House, Northamptonshire, during the latter part of the 17th century. John Belchier, the younger, received his most significant commission from John Meller at Erddig, Wales, for whom he produced a celebrated suite of gilt and silvered gesso furniture during the 1720s (cf. Martin Drury, 'Early Eighteenth-Century Furniture at Erddig,' Apollo, July 1978, pp.46-55). In the 1730s he also carried out important work for the Purefoy family at Shalston, Buckinghamshire. In addition to cabinet work, Belchier also produced both clear and mirrored glass. Records reveal that he supplied a quantity of glass for St. Paul's Cathedral in the 1720s and in all likelihood he manufactured the glass for his own furniture.

A comparable japanned bureau cabinet by Belchier survives at Erddig, whilst another, attributed to Belchier, and with a double-domed top was with Phillips, London, June 22, 1999, lot 51.