George III Japanned Bureau Bookcase Secretary Desk

Description

A striking chinoiserie bureau bookcase with a red background. The deep molded cornice sits above two chinoiserie paneled doors opening … more A striking chinoiserie bureau bookcase with a red background. The deep molded cornice sits above two chinoiserie paneled doors opening to reveal a green painted interior with two shelves, above two candle slides. The hinged slant front opens to reveal a green fully fitted stepped interior with a central door flanked by four open pigeon holes and three drawers to either side. There is a secret hidden document well that is covered by a slide. The lower section has two lopers to hold the fall front securely in place and there are two short and two graduated long drawers, each with replaced, but old, brass Chippendale hardware with bail handles, the whole is mounted on shaped bracket feet. The front and inside of the bureau are decorated with elaborate pagodas, figures, birds and Chinese countryside scenes. The sides are decorated with gilded stylized flowers and foliage. The case itself is 18th century, the chinoiserie is likely 19th century. less