A French gilt-bronze-mounted kingwood, tulipwood and bois satiné, parquetry and black and gilt japanned armoire by François Linke, Paris circa 1890

with an inset veined green marble top above a pair of panelled doors decorated with chinoiserie figures in landscapes with pagodas within foliate borders opening to reveal a mahogany lined interior panelled with six bevelled mirrors and three glass shelves, with female term corner mounts on cabriole legs with scrolled feet, signed F. Linke

Purchased by the present owner in these Rooms,19th and 20th Century Furniture and Decorations, 3rd October 1997, lot 276.

In overall very good conserved condition. Old minor marks, chips and scratches. Good quality mounts with nice detail to casting. The internal mirror plates probably later replacements.Old very minor restorations to the veneer which have been well executed which are hardly noticeable. There are a couple of long scratches down the left side which are not too noticeable and can be polished out. The detail to the japanned panels is most attractive with carcquelure commensurate with age as visible from the catalogue photograph. There is some wiring where the piece was formerly fitted for electricity.
"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."

A related cabinet with coromandel lacquer panels stamped Linke was sold in these Rooms, Fine Decorative Arts: The Nineteenth Century, 29th September 1999,  lot 115.