A Japanese lacquer cabinet on English giltwood stand, late 17th century

the cabinet with engraved copper mounts and a pair of doors with canopied fence and fruiting tree with birds enclosing an arrangement of eight drawers, the interior of the doors each with an exotic bird, the elaborate pierced scrolling foliate stand carved with cherubs to the front apron and cartouches to the sides, on cabriole supports

John Lyttelton, 11th Viscount Cobham (1943–2006)

Sotheby's London, 4 June 2008, lot 102.

"Hagley Park, Worcestershire, The Seat of Viscount Cobham", Country Life, 16 October 1915, p. 525 (illustrated)
H.A. Tipping, "The passing of the Lyttleton Home", Country Life, 2 January 1926, p. 29, fig. 3
John Cornforth, "Hagley Hall, Worcestershire - 1" Country Life, 27 April 1989, p. 137, fig. 3

This delicate cabinet is in reasonable condition. There are marks, scratches and flaking to the lacquered surface of the top, while both sides display minor losses and old restorations. There are losses to the lacquer applied to the framed border of the front. The engraved copper hinges have apparently been moved from their original position at some point, and this has left traces on the lacquer. The two lacquer panel doors are in overall good condition; there is light discoloration on the margins of the red fruit, and minor losses to the inner borders. The right part of the central key escutcheon is loose. The finely carved giltwood base is in near distressed condition, with overall losses, chips, and flaking to the original gilding. The front and right sides of the elaborate frieze are broken and repaired. The gilding is in need of some consolidation, and the whole piece would greatly benefit from cleaning. The key to the interior being lost, this has not been inspected and will need to be forced open.
"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."