A Chinese black and gilt lacquer cabinet on stand mid 19th century

the moulded cornice above a pair of doors applied with raised panels opening to reveal three shelves above two short and one long drawer, with iron handles on each side, the stand with shaped apron on cabriole legs terminating in paw feet, the whole decorated with chinoiserie scenes, dragons, strapwork and flowers 

The lacquer decoration is in overall very good condition. Charming detail. The back is also ebonised, but there are a few hairline vertical construction cracks which would benefit from being filled. There are also some other hairline cracks in the border of the right door, which can either be left or filled. The metalwork has probably been changed. There are construction cracks at joints of stand, which can easily be filled and there have been some minor losses to decoration on stand, especially on left side and more scuffed than rest, although this does not detract form the piece. The main losses which are not too major are on the stand. This is a very attractive piece in overall good condition.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Carl L. Crossman, The Decorative Arts of the China Trade,Woodbridge, 1991.

Oriental lacquer has exercised an abiding fascination for Westerners throughout the centuries. The shiny hard surface and beautiful designs in black and gold made lacquerware one of the most sought after products of the China trade.  The impact that both Chinese and Japanese lacquer had on Western decorative art should not be underestimated, as it inspired the Western art of imitating lacquer through the technique known as `japanning'. The true Oriental, lacquer comes from the sap of an eastern form of the sumach tree. In 1849, Osmond Tiffany described the decoration of lacquerware in Canton as painstaking: `A skilful hand pricks out the designed pattern on the black surface with a sharp steel point, and a delicate preparation of gold contained in little porcelain saucers is laid on with fine brushes. This being finished the whole is once more carefully examined, and the article is ready for sale.' The main centres of Chinese export lacquerware was Canton, although the wares were thought to be inferior to those of Nanking and Tonking.

Lacquer furniture in Western forms reached its greatest popularity during the second half of the 18^th and beginning of the 19^th century and the forms which were produced were all based upon models sent to China or made from English designs. The present example is inspired by English cabinets on stands with paw feet, which on this cabinet are greatly exaggerated.