Desk, Vintage, Mahogany, Gilding, Book-Spine Form Drawers, History of England

A rare, late-17th century / early-18th century, fall front bureau with gilded Chinoiserie Japanning & faux tortoishell ground. “Before Japan was made in England, the imitation of tortoise-shell was much in request for cabinets, tables and the like“. John Stalker and George Parker, a treatise on Japanning and varnishing (originally published in 1668), Alec Tiranti, 1998, p. 75. - This bureau is decorated in one of the most fashionable styles of the Baroque period, Chinese lacquer with gilded decoration and tortoiseshell imitation ground and would have been a statement piece within the interior. - The colours, which have become muted from atmospheric conditions over time, are still striking and colourful evoking warm and richness. - It has come from a private collection where it has reputedly been for many generations which explains why it is in such original condition retaining the original hinges, lock and catches. - Pieces of imitation tortoishell with gilded lacquer decoration are rare, the last piece I handled was a chest of drawers about 20 years ago. - Tortoishell furniture was only affordable by royalty and the elite and the height of fashion in the 17th century, as was producing things that were not what they seemed. One of the oldest examples of faux material from the Baroque period is at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen where, in 1667, the royal bed...

The top fitted with a removable gallery with fine brass filigree depicting lion heads and crowns amongst trailing stems. The mahogany, fall-front fitted with a later writing slope, a...

An exceptionally rare, late-Renaissance, Florentine, walnut, writing cabinet, scrittoio, escritoire or desk in two parts This striking, writing cabinet has a classical form, ornam...

Exceptional Roman Baroque Ebonised, Rosewood Cassettone with bone inlay and magnificent brass handles Magnificent transition piece displaying classical ornamentation within a tradit...

AN EXCEPTIONAL, GEORGE I, BURR WALNUT & FEATHER BANDED, DOUBLE-DOMED BUREAU BOOKCASE WITH ORIGINAL BEVELLED MIRROR PLATES, GILDED FINIALS, FROM THE COLL...

Spanish writing desks of this period are the most distinctive pieces of Spanish furniture conceived as visual displays of incredible virtuosity. The characteristic decoration of the ...

Double desk solid mahogany England circa 1880 Partner Desk Features: Body and tabletop solid mahogany, drawers softwood inside High quality All drawers dovetailed Original han...

Superb writing desk from the 19th century from English in mahogany. Elegant partner desk which has two drawers in the belt on each of its sides. It is rare to find double-sided writ...

Custom parchment and mahogany writing desk. This desk is custom made. It can be crafted in your choice of wood and finish, mahogany, cerused oak, parchment top, shagreen etc. Lead Ti...

Here is an antique, rare form English mahogany Queen Anne style partners desk or library table with a tooled and worn gold decorated brown leather top. Having one conventional side w...

This vintage chest of drawers features solid maple construction with original finish, brass accented hardware, three dovetailed drawers and one drop front writing desk with interior ...

Beautiful modern style of Ralph Lauren solid mahogany desk with 4 leather front drawers. Very High end woodwork and construction. Diamond Wood pattern on desk top. Very high end clear gloss lacquer finish. smooth metal drawer slides on solid Oak drawers with leather fronts and brass key accents. shows little wear to desk surface. No Labels or Tags. Previous owners claimed it was a Ralph Lauren desk...