A pair of Regency Chinese export black lacquer and japanned cabinets

the cupboard doors opening to a shelved interior.  Later tops, restorations.

Property of His Grace the 6th Duke of Sutherland
Sold, Sotheby's, London, June 9, 1978, lot 200
Denning & Fourcade

 

Overall good restored condition with areas of inpainting and infilling; some small losses to the lacquer throughout. The first with age crack to the top around lines of construction; the frieze with small vertical age cracks; the lacquer panels with small losses to the lacquer and with areas of inpainting, especially to the borders; right side panel with vertical inpainted age crack; small loss to one corner, to some corner metal mounts; the underside with free later wood braces. The interior with later shelf, possibly fitted with two shelves. The other with age crack to top, above lines of construction, with subsequent small losses to the painted surface; the frieze with some vertical age cracks and some areas of inpainting to the top edges; the panels with some inpainted vertical age cracks, and with small chips and losses to extremities of panels; infilled plug to right edge of right door above one hinge.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Chinese Export lacquer panels were often cut down by Western cabinet-makers for alternate uses, as is found on the present pair of Regency cabinets.  The panels were modified from larger pieces and placed within an English case that has been painted to simulate lacquer, a technique known as 'japanning'.  The mounts are typical of the late 17^th century.

The Dukes of Sutherland

The Sutherlands were one of the wealthiest, if not the wealthiest noble family in Britain during the 19^th century.  The family can trace its lineage back to the Earldom of Sutherland, one of Scotland's oldest titles being granted to William, Lord Duffus, created Earl of Sutherland by Alexander II of Scotland in 1235.  The Sutherland title was inherited by Elizabeth daughter of the 18^th earl, as the title could pass to female descendants.  As Countess Sutherland in her own right, she married George Granville Leveson-Gower, Viscount Trentham and son of the 2^nd Earl Gower and 1^st Marquess Stafford, in 1785.  Not only did George Granville inherit his father's estates, becoming the 3^rd Earl Gower and 2^nd Marquess Stafford, but he also inherited the estates from the Duke of Bridgewater, his maternal uncle.  The Bridgewater inheritance included the very lucrative Bridgewater canal, as well as Cleveland House in London which contained an extensive and important picture collection, which he augmented.  Together with the vast Scottish land holdings from his wife and his fathers vast Staffordshire holdings, George Granville had become one of the most powerful and wealthy individuals in Great Britain and was created the 1^st Duke of Sutherland in 1833 months before is death.  His country houses include Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland, and Trentham Hall, Staffordshire.