A Japanese laquered centre table Nagasaki, mid 19th century

the hexagonal top with inlaid mother of pearl and painted decoration in the form of birds and flowers within three shaped reserves above a painted silk covered trunk supported by three carved 'dancing' monkeys, losses to supports

William Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858), by repute, purchased at the Great Exhibition, 1851

Photographed in Oak Room, The Duchess of Devonshire, The House - A Portrait of Chatsworth, London, 1982, p. 165
The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth - The House, London, 2002, p. 108;

The Dowager writes 'An octagonal table supported by three mangy stuffed monkeys was bought from the Great Exhibition of 1851. Its top glints with mother of pearl' [in The Oak Room] (op. cit. p. 109).

Distressed condition, some losses to the mother of pearl inlay and the top is slightly warped. The monkeys are very distressed with losses overall including to the fur trimming, glass eyes, and carved feet.
"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 top to this rather extraordinary table is of Nagasaki aogai (mother-of-pearl) lacquer work which was exported after 1816. Nagasaki lacquer started to be popular during the Koka era (1844-1847) but the peak period of popularity was in Kaei era (1848-53).  This type of lacquerware is known for colorful inlaid decoration on black lacquer. They applied pigments in red, blue, yellow and green on the base wood and inlaid thin layers of shells on top creating a brilliant effect. Numerous different kinds of items were produced in this medium including shelves or chests of drawers of complicated forms, tables, sewing tables, stationary boxes, games or medicine boxes.

A magnificent series of international exhibitions took place in the 19th and 20th centuries. One of the most famous was London`s Great Exhibition of 1851 held at the `Crystal Palace' in Hyde Park which attracted over six million visitors to view 14,000 exhibits from all parts of the globe. This exhibition was the vision of Queen Victoria's consort Prince Albert and Henry Cole ( the first Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum).

The architect of the 'Crystal Palace' was Joseph Paxton the 6th Duke's gardener. Paxton was knighted for this extraordinary piece of design and the Duke took great satisfaction in his protege's achievement. He not only attended the formal opening in May 1851 but took every opportunity to visit the building as it was being erected and its displays arranged. As James Lees-Milne writes; The Duke took one by one Harriet (his niece The Duchess of Sutherland), his brother, Black Rod (Sir Augustus Clifford), his sister Lamb (Caroline St. Jules, the hon. Mrs George Lamb), Caroline Norton, The (Marquis and Marchioness of) Normandy (s), Lady Newburgh, (Lord) Erskine, and anyone he could enlist to share his delight and enthusiasm.