Lot 514
A late 17th century red Japanned cabinet on gilt stand
Auction: 12 December 2003 at 11:00 GMT
Description
the cabinet decorated with scenes from Stalker and Parker's Treatise on Japanning, the pair of doors with gilt brass pierced and engraved strapwork hinges and drop handles to sides, enclosing arrangement of eight large drawers around three smaller recessed central ones, on stand carved and pierced with cherubs at the centre and four C-scrolled legs, splayed at the front with scroll toes (formerly silvered)
Cabinet: 107cm wide, 76cm high, 43cm deep, Stand: 130cm wide, 77cm high, 51cm deep
Footnote
Provenance: Acquired by Sir James Dick of Prestonfield for Prestonfield House, Edinburgh; thence by descent. This cabinet was ordered by Sir James Dick from London in 1668/9 slong with a State coach. Its purchase was recorded in Account Books which have now sadly been lost but were in possession of the family. Prestonfield was rebuilt in the 1680's and this was part of the furnishings provided. It is finely decorated with scenes taken directly or derived from Stalker and Parker's "Treatise of Japanning and Varnishing" which was published in 1688 and included "Above a hundred distinct patterns for Japan-work, in imitation of the Indians, for tables, stands, frames, cabinets, boxes etc"