A Dutch mother-of-pearl inlaid parcel-gilt and japanned cabinet on stand, circa 1700

the overhanging cornice above a cushion moulded frieze decorated with chinoserie figure in landscapes with birds above a pair of cupboard doors, the right door depicting pagodas and figures, the left door a junk, the mother-of-pearl simulating gilt-metal clasps and hinges opening to reveal two shelves and two drawers, the drawers and inside of the doors decorated with birds, trees and pagodas, the sides similary decorated with birds and a hound amongst foliage, the rectangular stand with two freize drawers

In overall good original condition. A rare piece. The lacquer is generally in good order. However, the left side has warpped slightly and there is a vertical construction crack which can easily be filled or left. The mother-of-pearl inlay on the doors has flaked off in places. The piece has old marks, chips and scratches and wear to the gilding commensurate with age and useage. The interior has been later lined in red silk and it is probably that the decoration of the stiles and the shelf dividers have been refereshed. The block separating the internal drawers has lost virtually all its decoration. The moulding on the right door looks later. The stand is quite scuffed and the decoration is worn scratched and flaked in places.
"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:
Bulletin van het Rijksmuseum, 1986, no. 4, p. 258, fig.1. inv. Nr. 1985.25.
Reinier Baarsen, Nederlaandse Meubelen 1600-1800, Amsterdam, 1993, p. 64-65, no. 29.

There is a cabinet in the Rijksmuseum stated to be North Netherlandisch of almost identical form with very similar decoration of a sailing vessel on the left door and pagodas on the right door, (sold Sotheby’s, Monaco 23^rd and 24^th June 1985, lot 720), which subsequently entered the collection of the Museum, reproduced here in fig. 1.This and the offered cabinet are extremely close in terms of decoration with another cabinet which was sold Christie’s, London, 6^th July 2006, lot 81, described as probably Paris.The latter cabinet  is similarly decorated on the central door with a sailing boat although of different form with ten mother-of-pearl inlaid drawers flanking the door. All these cabinets probably originated from the same workshop.  The decoration with the mother-of-pearl inlay is in imitation of the highly regarded Japanese lacquer such as the typical nambam work. The delightful detail on this cabinet is the mother-of-pearl inlay imitating gilt-brass mounts normally found upon Japanese lacquer cabinets. Apparently in the Musée de la Musique in Paris there is a French late  17^th century harpsichord which is in its original japanned case and it is felt that it is by the same hand as the cabinet sold at auction at Christie's, hence the French attribution for their cabinet.