An Italian green and gilt-japanned chinoiserie bureau cabinet, Venetian, circa 1750

the cabinet interior fitted with shelves and compartments above three short drawers and two candle-slides, the bureau with a central cupboard flanked by pigeon holes and two short drawers, above three long drawers, on bracket feet

This striking cabinet is in overall attractive untouched private condition, with attractive chinoiserie decoration which is largely intact. Overall with typical small losses to the japanning consistent with age and use. Signs of old wood worm which appears to no longer be active. Old marks and scratches commensurate with age and use. Top: The mirror plate apparently original. Escutcheons of cupboard doors lacking and candle slides also lacking handles which can easily be replaced. Some sliding divides of the interior possibly later. Typical shrinkage to panel of cupboard doors. Base: Overall with typical signs of wear the fall front and bureau consistent with age and use. There are shrinkage cracks to the returns of each side and the fall front which would benefit from some attention. The drawer fronts with movement along construction joints. Lacking drawer handles and the top and bottom drawer without its escutcheon, which could easily be replaced. The sliding divides of the interior possibly later.
"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 striking bureau cabinet, decorated with chinoiserie scenes imitating Oriental lacquer, takes its inspiration from the form of early 18th century Anglo-Dutch examples, which quickly took root as important pieces of furniture in the grand palaces of the Venetian aristocracy and rising merchant class.

The demand for Oriental lacquer far outstripped supply and soon European cabinet-makers started to produce their own imitations of Chinese and Japanese lacquer. From the 16th century, lacquerware inspired by Oriental models was produced in Venice and the taste for lacquer furniture reached its zenith in the 18th century, with Venice being pre-eminent in its production.

A related Venetian bureau cabinet is illustrated by Hans Huth, Lacquer of the West, The History of a Craft and Industry, 1550-1950, London, 1971, pl. 106. Another related example is illustrated in G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Veneziano Del Settecento, Milan, 1958, Vol. II, pl. CDVIII.

A further comparable Venetian bureau cabinet, using black lacquer instead of green, was sold Sotheby’s London, Tuesday 27 April 2010, lot 47.