A pair of Regency japanned cabinets-on-stands, circa 1815, in the manner of John and Frederick Crace

each in two sections, the upper section fitted with a pair of cupboard doors opening to adjustable shelves and painted on the reverse with figures beneath flowering trees, the side panels similarly decorated, the stands with conforming border decoration with sabre front legs and square tapering back legs

Jeremy Ltd, London;
The Collection of Gordon Getty;
Sotheby's New York, A Celebration of the English Country House, 26 April 2008, Lot 156, ($40,000).

A highly decorative pair of cabinets on stands. The lacquer decoration is rendered very well and maintains its bright colour and definition, the decorated interior as well. The right returns of the back pediment have restored breaks on both cabinets. The front right leg of one stand has had some minor restoration. With old marks and scratches, commensurate with age and use.
"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."

In 18^th century London there was a surge in popularity for products from the Far East. Wealthy patrons endorsed the mania and employed skilled British craftsmen and designers to mimic these influences incorporating them into their own work. As early as the 1760s Henry Clay began creating japanned tea tables which he soon developed, marking this move in favour of Chinoiserie and Japanning.

From Clay’s foundation many other craftsmen followed, including arguably the most accomplished firm of the Craces’. The family had served as interior decorators since Edward Crace (1725 – 1799) who served under George III, formerly as a coach decorator. His estranged son John (1754-1819) and John’s eldest son Frederick (1779-1859) would emerge as prominent designers toward the end of the 18^th and beginning of the 19^th century. Frederick in particular had much skill and favoured the Chinoiserie style. Their popularity grew so that the Prince Regent, Later George IV – a noted enthusiast for the Eastern style, commissioned the Craces for Carlton house and The Royal Pavilion, Brighton.

The present lot most resembles the work of John and Frederick Crace in the use of the figures, flora and fauna in the door panels. For related examples see Sotheby’s, London, 22 November 2006, Important English Furniture, lot 105. These dining chairs employ similar foliage on the legs and figural landscapes to the chair backs. Also in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum a clothes press which has been attributed to Frederick Crace’s workshop, he likely the maker, museum number W.1:1 to 8-1966 with a circa date of 1815. This example, formerly from the Royal Pavilion, features landscape scenes depicting similar compositions featuring both figures and pagodas and to the sides foliage consistent with the upper sections of the panels in the present lot. It is interesting to note the pediment which surmounts each piece.