A Regency black lacquer and parcel gilt drum-shaped bookcase circa 1810

the top with a pierced brass gallery and painted in gouache with classical scenes, with a leather lidded compartment to the centre, with three tiers below of shelves for books below with divisions of panels of Chinese Export lacquer, decorated against a black ground with gilt flowers in vases and  scenes depicting temples and figures in exotic landscape settings, raised on claw feet and plinths

The present bookcase has a distinguished provenance of the Horlick family. On 5th July 2007 Sotheby`s, London was privileged to sell the furniture collection of Sir James Horlick, 4th Baronet, (1886-1958). Sir James was a passionate collector of Chinoiserie and a noted connoisseur and the collection included an almost identical bookcase to the present lot, lot 39. Sir James formed the collection during the first half of the twentieth century, furnishing Achamore House on the Isle of Gigha, in the western Scottish Isles. The collection was the subject of an article by the then editor of the Connoisseur, L.G.G. Ramsay, `Chinoiserie in the Western Isles, the Collection of Sir James and Lady Horlick', in June 1958. Many of the pieces were purchased from renowned dealers of the time and these were complemented by some of the most important and spectacular English japanned furniture of the eighteenth century including the magnificent  commodes by Thomas Chippendale formerly at Harewood House and a secretaire from the collection of the Viscount Bearstead.

The present lot which has passed by family descent to the present vendor was owned by Lady Jane Shillaber Horlick, (neé Martin) who married Sir Ernest Burford Horlick , 2nd Baronet, (1880–1934), on December 31st 1902.  Sir Ernest was the brother of Sir James Horlick (who was eventually to succeed him as 4th Baronet).

This bookcase is typical of the taste of Sir James Horlick and indeed could be considered the pair to the bookcase sold in 2007. Given the close family connection, it seems almost certain that it formed part of his collection at some stage.

The distinctive form of the bookcase and painted decoration to the top derive from a number of classical influences, most notably the etchings of Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–1778) whose output had a widespread impact on the Neo-classical taste that emerged in the last quarter of the 18^th century. The shape of the bookcase takes inspiration from Piranesi’s illustrations of ancient Roman altars (see John Wilton-Ely, Giovanni Battista Piranesi: The Complete Etchings, San Francisco, 1994, Vol. II, pls. 650 and 990), whilst the ruins depicted on the top are after a Piranesi etching of the ancient city of Paestum  (op. cit., pl. 720). The other prominent composition is after Guido Reni’s, Aurora and the Chariot of the Sun driven by Apollo, which is flanked my copies of Domenichino’s Cumaean Sybil and Guercino’s Persian Sybil.

This piece is in good original condition. There are some characteristic losses and seperations to the painted decoration to the top with some discolouration. The lacquer is starting to flake in some places with some losses and will need to be stabilised. Minor losses to gilding. Lid to top slightly warped and with a later leather inset. Old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. A really lovely example.
"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."

This interesting circular bookcase, incorporating Chinese Export lacquer panels, is conceived in the Chinoiserie taste as propagated by the Prince Regent, later George IV and his homage to the orient, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. For further comparison another bookcase of almost identical form is illustrated in Frances Collard, Regency Furniture, 1985, p. 204. A further similar example was sold Sotheby’s, from the collection of Frederick McCarthy, 27 September 2012, lot 90 (£52,000).