A George I Red ‘Japanned’ Bureau Bookcase

A wonderful example of the eighteenth century English obsession with the Orient and Chinoiserie decoration.  Although, English in form, and a very good example of the interesting interiors these bookcases can have, the decoration is entirely oriental in inspiration.

The upper section with a broken arched cornice flanking a silvered flame finial above two doors with bevelled mirror plates and a candle slide below each mirror.  The lower section with a decorated fall above an arrangement of two short and two long drawers. The bookcase standing on bun feet.

The interior of the upper section opening to reveal decoration to the backs of the door and with a central arched door, flanked by gilded pilasters and folio divides, and opening to reveal a compartment with shelving above and pigeon-holes and small drawers below.

The lower section continues the theme of a central arched door flanked by pilasters with pigeon-holes and drawers. The writing surface with a silk velvet panel.

Condition

The bookcase retains its original finial, handles and a great deal of its original decoration.   A full condition report is available on request.

Height of desk 29 ½ ”  75cm