A fine and rare Charles II cedar, ebonised and bone inlaid chest of drawers third quarter 17th century

in two parts, with bone lozenge motifs the two long drawers above three central shallow drawers and two further long drawers to the base, with mitred mouldings and chamfered penwork decorated birch veneers flanked by narrow ebonised 'panels' which are of canted form to the frieze

With Spink & Co., London at the time of its inclusion in Victor Chinnery's book (op. cit).

Illustrated Victor Chinnery, English Furniture, Oak Furniture, The British Tradition, Woodbridge, 1979, p. 372, fig. 3:409.

Good condition with attractive colour, nice patina. Some typical traces of old worm. Old chipping on rim of drawer fronts and surrounding carcase. Penwork veneers with some partial sympathetic restorations. Some old fragmenting on front apron moulding and the left side apron return moulding possibly later. Top and sides generally tidy. The top with an old filled separation and old fragmenting on left side return of moulded rim. Drawers with cedar floors and some with possible rebuilding. All feet re-tipped. A rare piece of furniture with real presence.
"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."

The brush or penwork decoration on this chest of drawers is very interesting. Its calligraphic qualities seem to recall work seen on North Italian cedar chests that were imported to the British Isles during the 16th and 17th century. In this instance its purpose seems to be purely a decorative flourish - although perhaps a stylised imitation of tortoiseshell or an exotic hardwood. For a fuller discussion on work of this nature and another chest of drawers with reserves of similar decoration see Chinnery (op. cit. p. 216, fig. 2:242 ).