A rare Regency Japanned Chinoiserie side cabinet, probably Pontypool circa 1810, the design attributed to Frederick Crace

the top and metal doors decorated with figures and pagodas in an exotic landscape, the frieze with two drawers, the canted corners with bombé terminals, on bun feet, the interior with gilt painted foliate motifs

Very good overall condition with patination throughout consistent with age. Minor scratches and marks throughout. The top has a few long but shallow scratches. The edge of the top has some scuffs and chipping. There is a minor loss to the decoration on one drawer. The doors are good condition but have some stains. Further scuffs to the base and some chipping. The interior decoration is in excellent condition and retains much of its original depth of colour. One key included.
"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."

Similarly decorated Japanned tôle goods were produced in the Pontypool factory owned by the Allgood family from the mid-18th century until circa 1820. However examples of furniture incorporating panels of Pontypool tôle are extremely rare, as the factory mainly produced small decorative objects such as urns and trays.

The present cabinet also has affinities with the work of John and Frederick Crace, whose commissions included work for the Prince Regent at Brighton Pavilion between 1800 and 1804, where they designed interiors in the Chinese style. Their accounts for this period show that the from the start the Craces were involved in much more than merely the applied decoration at Brighton. Not only did they amuse the Prince with a variety of Chinese curiosities, including costumes, ivory junks, and even `seven pounds' of Chinese tobacco', but large quantities of furniture were supplied by them too. Most of it seems to have been either Chinese - especially bamboo furniture - or English in the Chinese manner. In 1802 `One very Fine Japan India Cabinet...£14' was invoiced, the following year five more, one costing £15, and in 1804 a charge was made for japanning a stand for a cabinet in black and gilt (see Megan Aldrich (Ed.), The Craces Royal Decorators, 1768-1899, 1989, pp. 21-26.)

A red papier mâché tôle and japanned centre table, the top of which is very similar to this cabinet (sold Sotheby`s London, 28th April, 2010, lot 624) was formerly in the collection of the late Francis Egerton and Peter Maitland.

The original location of the cabinet is unknown but towards the end of the 19th Century it was photographed in The State Closet at Chatsworth. It is unlike anything else in the Devonshire collection. For this reason it is perhaps reasonable to speculate whether it might have been a gift to, or a singular purchase by the 5th Duke. He was a close of friend of the Prince Regent and would have known of the Prince's commissions for the Pavilion at Brighton. The 6th Duke also knew the Prince, later George IV, well and stayed at the Pavilion on a number of occasions as well as having his own house in Brighton.