A Chinese Export parcel-gilt black lacquer and reverse-painted mirror picture-mounted secretaire cabinet circa 1810

Overall good condition; the lacquer with slight lifting and cracking in places but otherwise stable; some minor restorations to lacquer of cresting; the reverse painted mirrors are in good condition with some losses and pitting to the silvering; the colors with some fading; the extremities with some small chips and losses and wear.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This cabinet displays the fusion of Western and Oriental forms and decoration that occurred as part of the ever expanding East-West trade throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries. From its swan-neck pediment down to its bracket feet, this cabinet’s form is based on English 18^th century designs. The Chinese lacquer with its overall pattern is from the late 19^th/early 20^th century and seen in a number of Export pieces (see in Carl Crossman, The Decorative Arts of the China Trade, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 1991, plates. 146, 17, 148) and the reverse painted mirrors appear to be Indian in origin.  A number of English forms, particularly games tables with similar lacquer decoration were made during this time period for export to Britain and America.  Many of these wears were sold in Canton, for example, Captain William Gray of Salem, Massachusetts, bought a lacquer knee-hole dressing table from Canton before 1800; this piece is now in the Collection of the Essex Institute. (Ibid, plate 149, p. 272)