- 100
A Queen Anne black and gilt-japanned secretaire cabinet, first quarter 18th century
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- lacquer, pine
- 210cm. high, 105cm. wide, 54cm. deep; 6ft. 10¾in., 3ft. 5¼in., 1ft. 9¼in.
the interior with two hinged compartments to the double dome and an arrangement of ten drawers, the base with a fitted secretaire drawer and three further drawers, with later waist and lower mouldings, on later bun feet
Condition
A beautiful and rare example in overall reasonable conserved condition. The lacquer surface has secured age cracks and minor areas of discoloration throughout but is still remarkably original. The front right door of the upper section has a large repaired age crack incorporating a later fillet. The metal mounts are tarnished throughout as can be seen in the catalogue photograph. The interior of the upper section is in good condition with very good colour and detail retained in the lacquer. The waist moulding and lower moulding and the bun feet are later. The surface throughout with old marks, losses and scuffs some of which may benefit from light workshop attention.
"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 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."
Catalogue Note
The most striking feature on this extraordinary lacquer cabinet is the double arched cornice, seen on cabinets of this form from about 1713. Adam Bowett notes that this was in fact an architectural nonsense known as an 'unresolved-duality'. (Bowett, op. cit., p. 223) An example of a similar cabinet sold at Sotheby's, employing this flourish to the cornice, is illustrated in Bowett, op. cit. p. 222.