FURNITURE

A sensational French carved and ebonised specimen marble topped chinoiserie games table c1880. The top of this extraordinary piece is made up of very fine marble and semi precious specimen pieces with black marble squares. The base is exceptionally carved with strong lion paw feet and a chinese inspired fret.

A finely carved Geo IV mahogany sofa c1825. Provenance: The collection of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber

A French citronnier and mahogany commode c1790. Citronnier was a highly prized decorative wood in 18th cent France that was found in the French Caribbean, and like acacia wood, produced only small amounts of usable timber. The fragrance of the flowers and leaves are like that of the lemon tree.

A sensational quality British japanned and gilt chinoiserie three drawer table incorporating three Chinese carved panels to each drawer front. The top is finely decorated with two panels of birds and a central section including flowers and insects. Each corner of the top is decorated with a butterfly. The piece is finished on all sides so can free stand.

A George III oak & elm chest of drawers c1780. A wonderful country piece with elm sides and oak to the top and front.

A Dutch jappaned and gilt press c1740. A beautifully decorated piece the doors feature figures in a pleasure garden in rich golds and browns. The piece stands upon fine and slightly mad dragon claws and retains its original brasses. Interesting to compare the decoration of this piece with the Chinese coromandel screen also in teh exhibition. The Europeans didn'y have quite the same flair when it came to the composition of their jappaned pieces. In fine condition throughout.

Two English George II "india back" walnut chairs c1730. In the eighteenth century Chinese furniture was exported to England from Canton via ports such as Bombay in India and so were generically known as india backs even though the style is actually Chinese. Oriental hardwood furniture being imported into Europe became very fashionable and was interpreted by English cabinet makers, most famously Thomas Chippendale, for local use. You can clearly see that the top half of these chairs is inspired by fashionable classical Chinese furniture design of the day whilst the bottom is still late William & Mary in style.

A Chippendale period fruitwood lowboy with Chinese style fretwork decoration c1760. Chippendale's hugely influencial "The Gentleman and cabinet-Maker's director" was published in 1754 and immediately defined the style of period. Most country houses ordered a copy for their library and the designs the book featured very quickly became disseminated amongst rural cabinet makers who would make simpler versions in local timbers for the local gentry whilst Chippendale's workshops supplied the aristocracy. And in this first volume of Chippendale's book sixty four of the plates had a marked Chinese character. This is a charming example of such a country piece, made by a local maker but heavily influenced by the Chippendale design book.

A superb George I walnut bureau bookcase c1720. This is the finest of the type we have ever had. Superb original colour and glass, a very handsome piece.

A French acacia commode c1750. Acacia farnesianais was introduced to Southern France from the French colonies in the Caribbean for use in the perfume industry. It only produces small amounts of usable timber so is quite rare. It is very hard wearing, insect resistant and heavy.