A Chinese Export painted black lacquered chest of drawers probably Canton, late 18th century

the top drawer with a slide concealing a fitted interior and a hinged ink tray to the right side

A superb example of its type. The top with losses (approx 45mm x 40mm), watermarks and craqueleure. The moulded edge with areas of separation and there are some areas of retouching to where this has occured. The fitted drawer is generally good although there are some missing dividers and lids. There is also the type of wear that one would expect. There is rubbing and discolouration to some of the gilt heightening throughout. Each drawer interior is lacquered and has a border of gilt decoration and the reverse of each drawer with a Chinese symbol. Left side with age crack and losses to some gilding and some discolouration. Right side with signs of exposure to sun and some old marks.The bracket feet with marks and scuffs that one would expect. Backboards lifting. Very decorative.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This dressing chest is a fine example of the combination of  Western form and Oriental lacquer of the 18th century. Since the 16th century Oriental lacquer has been highly prized in the West. The art originated in China with the discovery of the protective properties of the sap from the rhus vernifica. This forms a hard and highly durable film which can be applied to wood and provides a smooth surface which can then be gilded, painted or carved.

In response to the Western desire for lacquer, trading companies such as the East India Company were formed with a view to exporting to the West items of lacquer and other popular Oriental items like ceramics. Nanking, Canton and Tonking all became centres for the production of lacquer, and Chinese artisans there were commissioned to produce lacquer objects and pieces of furniture of Western design , such as the present lot, for export.   Very often these pieces of furniture were made copying actual examples sent out or from printed European designs.

The majority of lacquer pieces produced at this time tended to be smaller items such as tea caddies, work boxes and small tables because of the difficulties and cost of shipping.  Large pieces of furniture tend to be much rarer.  Those larger pieces that exist tend to be bureau cabinets, thus making the present lot a particular rarity.

Larger export pieces like the present lot were frequently sent in component form on the sailing clippers that plied the trade routes. In this instance, it would appear that the main construction probably arrived as a solid piece and all the internal fitments were flatpacked and fitted later upon arrival in England. 

Few lacquered dressing chests of this form are known to exist. A hardwood example with the combination of writing surface and dressing fitments in the top drawer with a lower drawer fitted inside to contain a washbowl and soap dishes can be seen in the Museum of Art , Rhode Island.

The free style of the foliate decoration, the Oriental landscape vignettes and borders of flowers within Adam style geometric edging on this piece link it to other pieces known to have been produced  in Canton in the 18th century. A lacquered kneehole dressing table (illus. Carl Crossman, The Decorative Arts of The China Trade, London, 1997, p.272, pl.149) brought from Canton by Captain William Gray of Salem before 1800, made for either the English or American market and now in the Collection of the Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts, shares similar decoration and also has similar English style brassware with swan`s neck handles. A further example of this same group is a desk or poudreuse in the King`s Bedroom at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton.