A Victorian Japanned chiffonier cabinet circa 1850, attributed to Jennens & Bettridge

the raised open shelf back with scrolled supports, the projecting frieze above a pair of free-standing turned column supports, the pair of doors enclosing two shelves, on a plinth, decorated throughout in gilt and polychorme with exotic birds, floral sprays and flowering foliage punctuated by key-pattern motifs, with papier mâché to the central panel of the raised upper section and door panels

Good overall condition. Minor wear to decoration. For further information on this Lot, please contact the English Furniture Department on 00 44 (0) 207 293-5470.
"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 firm of Jennens & Bettridge, leading papier mâché manufacturers, took over the well established Birmingham factory of H. Clay in 1816.  The firm traded from showrooms at 6 Hallam Street, London and remained active until 1864. In 1847 the firm patented a form of inlaid decoration using coloured glass, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, ivory and gem stones.  At the Great Exhibition of 1851 Jennens & Bettridge showed a number of products ranging from small boxes and trays to an elaborately modelled easy chair, a pianoforte and a child's cot.