the cupboard doors enclosing an arrangement of eleven drawers on a carved silvered stand, stand re-silvered

In reasonable restored condition. The japanned lacquer surface with typical chips and losses, most notably to corners and extremities and with evidence of re-touching. One noticeable chip to lower right side. Both sides and panels to doors with restored vertical age cracks. Some losses to the raised low relief 'lacquer' detail. Doors warped and movement through cabinet. The very decorative stand is of slightly unsteady stance and has re-enforced areas notably to the rear legs which have metal brackets and there are areas of structural consolidation to the stretcher and return. The surface has been later silvered but there is evidence, perhaps, of the original surface beneath. Evidence of old worm damage which no longer appears to be active. Highly decorative. 01/05/18 - lower drawer lining to one drawer loose and will need re-fixing.
"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."

Oriental lacquer cabinets were among the most highly prized of all Restoration period furniture. Costly and rare, English craftsman created their own imitations using a process known as ‘japanning’ in an attempt to satiate demand. Whereas a fine Japanese cabinet might have cost between £40 and £50, a japanned English equivalent, including stand would cost less than £20 (REF Bowett, p. 155), though they remained the preserve of the rich. The technique was promoted by Messrs Stalker and Parker's celebrated Treatise of Japanning and Varnishing, published in 1688, though they concede ‘no fiddling pretender could match or imitate’ Japanese lacquer.

The two-door cabinet, with finely engraved brass lock plates and hasps which enclosed small drawers was a particularly popular model and appeared in many great houses. These would normally sit on the floor of an East Asian household, but in Europe the form was elevated and placed on often elaborately carved stands, intended to be the centrepiece of a room.

It relates closely to other similar cabinets on stand including one illustrated in C. Gilbert, Furniture at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hall, vol. I, Leeds, 1978, no. 35, and another formerly in the collection of the Earl of Morley, now the National Trust, at Saltram, Devon (A. Bowett, English Furniture 1660-1714 From Charles II to Queen Anne, Woodbridge, 2002, pl. 5:33). The stand on both examples have much in common; with six legs of pierced, rectangular baluster form, suggesting the design derives from the same printed source or even that they were made by the same craftsman. The stand on the present cabinet also has a very similar form with elements of carving and design related to tables completed by Jensen, Court cabinetmaker to both Queen Anne and William and Mary, for St James’ and Kensington Palace (ibid pp. 149 and 283).

Other examples often have an ornate cresting, relating to the stand, as seen in Christie's, London, 19 May 2016, lot 7 (£37,500 including premium). This example, like the present lot, retained original silvered decoration.