A JAPANESE silvered-METAL-MOUNTED LACQUER CABINET late 17th century, on an early 18th Century Japanned stand

with two doors decorated in raised gilt lacquer on a black ground with buildings and trees, enclosing an arrangement of eight small drawers similarly decorated, with an integral low shaped support, mounted overall with cut-out and engraved strap-work hinges and an elaborate shaped and pierced lock-plate incorporating a tiger, the sides with carrying handles, the stand with shaped square legs

Chatsworth Inventory, 1764, there are a number of pieces recorded that could possibly be the offered lot, India Cabinets upon frames are recorded in the State Dresing Room, Drawing Room, The Queen of Scots Large Dressing Room and in the Bed Chamber after that room

The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth - The House, 2002, p. 94, illustrated

Generally in good order and of high quality. The exterior of a cloudy appearance. The edge of the top with rubbing. The edges of the doors with chipping. Some exterior mounts loose and tarnished. The interior in excellent condition considering the great age of the piece. The stand with chips and losses to decoration notably to the inside of each leg.
"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
Oliver Impey and Christiaan Jörg, Japanese Export Lacquer 1580-1850, Amsterdam, 2005, pp. 129-135, for related 'Pictorial Style' cabinets.

This cabinet was made in Japan at a time when direct trade there was a rarity. The small Portuguese trading community that had been there was thrown out from the country in 1638. The Dutch had a limited trading post, through the small and difficult port on the island of Dyushambe close to Nagasaki. The powerful East India Company, even with its huge influence in Asia, did not attempt to open trade with Japan. The Company reported; since our King [Charles II] was married with the daughter of Portugal, their enemy, they could not admit us to have any trade, and for no other reason.

However Japanese furniture did arrive in Europe and its popularity was so pronounced that it is discussed in A Discourse of Trade, Coyn, and Paper Credits, 1697, 'As ill Weeds grow apace, so these Manufactured Goods from India met with such a kind reception, that from the greatest Gallants to the meanest Cook-Maids, nothing was so through so fit, to adorn their persons, as the Fabricks of India; nor for the ornament of Chambers like India Skreens, Cabinets, Beds and Hangings; nor for Closets, like China and Lacquered Ware.'