Box House Antiques Ltd. Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

A classic Chippendale-period secretaire breakfront library bookcase in well-figured mahogany. Early-George III, circa 1760. Of excellent colour, patina, and condition throughout. Th...

An English early-eighteenth century red japanned bow-front corner cupboard, or cabinet, George II-period, circa 1730. In superb condition throughout. Retaining its original butterfly hinges, with a period key and working lock. These are usually encountered with a black background, however when in red these examples of japanning are much sought after. Many were produced domestically, often by talented female members of the family. Note the charming English interpretations in the decorated surfaces. An unusual subject can be seen in the base, a hunter on horseback with sword drawn, confronting a mythological beast, probably representing a tiger with mandarins posing amongst stylised pagodas, rooftops and rockwork. Chinoiserie-decorated surfaces were extremely popular in the early part of the 18th century, almost reaching a craze among the upper classes wishing to demonstrate their fashionable status. There were several revivals of chinoiserie particularly in the first quarter of the 20th century, so caution is advised in one’s collecting. This type of decoration is also sometimes erroneously referred to as ''lacquer’'. The fashion icon Coco Chanel furnished her exquisite Paris apartments largely in the European chinoiserie taste. References: V & A – The development of English black japanning 1620-1820, A History of Japanning in England: Technique & Decoration. John Stalker and George Parker...

A fine pair of English George lll-period pedestal cabinets in well-figured mahogany of deep, rich colour and superb patination, attributed to Gillows of Lancaster, circa 1800. The f...

A sophisticated Queen Anne-period chinoiserie japanned chest raised on elegant cabriole legs with 'pony foot' carved detailing. This early-18th century chest on stand demonstrates the charming and highly fashionable English domestic interpretation of oriental scenes of pagodas, rockwork, trees, ornamental bridges, mythical birds, and figures dressed in the oriental manner, holding parasols and cavorting in gardens. All in remarkable condition having survived some three hundred years. Chests on cabriole supports of this form were also very much in fashion in the American colonies during this early Queen Anne-period (1702-1714). Sometimes erroneously referred to as ‘'lacquer''. The fashion icon Coco Chanel furnished her exquisite Paris apartments largely in the European chinoiserie taste. References: V & A Museum, London - The development of English black japanning 1620-1820. Literature and further reading: John Stalker and George Parker...

A rare, small, English early-18th century walnut bureau bookcase/ cabinet with a moulded swan-neck pediment. Circa 1727-1730. On the cusp of George I- into George II-period. The bev...

A rare Chinese polychrome Coromandel or ‘Bantam Ware’ lacquer casket or table cabinet, Kangxi period (1661-1722). Circa 1700. This fine small Chinese-export lacquer fitted casket is decorated overall with polychrome incised decoration. Opening with two doors revealing a red interior with fitted drawers and a hinged rising top. In superb, almost entirely original condition, retaining its vivid colours and fine details with courtiers in a pavilion and on horseback amidst foliage and formal palace gardens. The small bun-type feet are historical replacements. Interestingly bearing an antique-script inventory #25 and A I on the base. Nb. Bantamwork or Coromandel lacquer, not to be confused with ‘japanning’, is the term applied to decoration that is cut into a layer of gesso and then lacquered in colours. Much of the lacquer was transhipped from China through Coromandel in India, or the Dutch colony Batavia, Java. References: Coromandel lacquer or 'Bantamwork', with its characteristic incised decoration, was made in Henan province in Northern China from the latter-part of the Ming dynasty and exported to Europe from the end of the 17th Century through the East India Company's and VOC trading posts on the Coromandel Coast of India. The technique consisted in overlaying a base of wood with a series of increasingly fine white clays and fibrous grasses. Over this surface, lacquer was applied and polished before the design was incised and the hollowed out portions filled with colour and gilt and finished with a clear lacquer to protect it. Although John Stalker and George Parker used the term 'Bantamwork', the contemporary layman usually called it 'cutt-work', 'cutt Japan' or 'hollow burnt Japan'. Stalker and Parker discuss two types of 'Bantam-work' - flat and incised - in their 'Treatise on Japanning and Varnishing' (1688), noting that it 'was done in colors mix't with a gum water'. They also considered that it was 'almost obsolete, and out of fashion, out of use and neglected....' although admitted that 'it was very pretty, and some are more fond of it, and prefer it to the other...'. This casket/ table cabinet now on offer is related to one formerly with Malletts and illustrated in A. Bowett, 'English Furniture 1660-1714: From Charles II to Queen Anne' (2002) p. 150, plates 5:9. A much larger yet closely-related Bantam work coffer with rising lid was offered in the 'Asian Art in Cologne' sale lot 114 on 11th December 2021. Estimated @ £ 60,000 - £79,000. Mme de Pompadour, mistress to King Louis XV from 1745 to 1751, was an avid collector and admirer of Chinese Coromandel or Bantam Work, and was probably largely responsible for the very high prices recorded for such pieces, sometimes 10 times or more the price of ordinary furniture of equivalent quality. A Coromandel cabinet...

An outstanding and rare, 17th-century Japanese mulberrywood gilt-lacquer cabinet raised on a later stand. This fine and exceptional two-door, gilt-heightened cabinet - reputedly in mountain mulberry wood...

A highly unusual Colonial early-19th century solid satinwood-faced chest of drawers with cupboards. Circa 1820. The carcass is in solid rosewood and ebony. It features a broad ebony...

An English William & Mary-period oyster laburnum and walnut chest, circa 1700. William lll (1650-1702). A classic oyster-veneered chest of two short and three long graduated drawers all faced with exquisite oyster veneers banded in fruitwood. The top with well-chosen oyster inlays...

An elegant 18th-century mahogany bureau cabinet of impressive architectural form, and lovely rich colour. George II-period, circa 1740. The top surmounted by a bold architectural pediment and centred by a brass finial. The two arched panel doors reveal three adjustable shelves which have candle slides below them. Furthermore the bureau section is fitted with a stepped interior. This has two secret compartments, drawers and pigeon holes, and the fall is conventionally supported on two lopers. Lined in the best quality English oak. The blind doors of this Georgian cabinet have well figured mahogany panels of very good colour which reflect beautifully in the candle light. The chamfered and arched doors display a further level of sophistication and quality. The beautifully drawn arched pediment is in perfect proportion with the rest of the cabinet/ bookcase. In excellent condition overall. Architectural furniture designs on the continent commenced with the arrival of the Renaissance, and they have their origins in Roman and Greek architecture. Nb. We often refer to antique bookcases / cabinets as ''secretary desks'' in the US. Bureau bookcases display books, china or silver behind glazed doors, but are described more accurately as bureau cabinets when they are fitted with blind doors. Further reading, re pediments, etc: 'Illustrated Dictionary...

A very fine Chippendale-period satinwood and marquetry desk. English, George III-period, circa 1770. The considerable use of the best quality mahogany in the carcass is typical of the very fine work of Thomas Chippendale. It is rare today to find an 18th-century satinwood and marquetry-inlaid desk of this quality. (Most offered on the market are 19th/ 20th century). Major, period satinwood pieces have become almost unobtainable. The superbly-controlled and delicate marquetry inlays are reminiscent of the fine decoration on the famous Diana and Minerva Commode by Chippendale at Harewood House...

A fine English mid-18th century mahogany secretaire / secretary / bookcase / china cabinet. Of lovely, deep, rich color, patina and quality. George III-period, circa 1760. The bold, detachable, swan-neck pediment carved with 'Gothic' open fretwork, spiral rosettes and a dentil cornice. The pediment is centred by a small platform below which is a fluted panel. The bookcase / china cabinet section with two, thirteen-pane glazed doors, with three original adjustable shelves with applied beadings for the display of china etc. The base with a pull-out writing section fitted with small drawers, two of which have secret releases. These secret drawers are faced with blind-fret 'Gothic' tracery, and centred by a carved, shaped arch. The base with three cock-beaded drawers, and raised on its original bracket feet which are faced with blind fret. This fine, sophisticated and well-proportioned example of a secretaire / secretary / cabinet / desk / bookcase is remarkable for having survived in its original state including all swan-neck handles and locks. Of superb quality, color, patination, and well figured throughout. With mahogany drawer linings: further confirmation of its superlative quality. Measures: 42" wide (107 cm) 23" deep 58.5 cm) 95" high (241 cm) - without cartouche. A related antique bureau cabinet...

A fine, and rare, very closely-matched pair of late-17th century oyster walnut chests on stands. English, Charles II period, ca 1685. Both with f...

An English early-18th century oak geometrically-panelled chest on chest, ca 1710-1720. Queen Anne / George I-period. NB. This is an interesting example of a transition from the lat...

A very impressive mahogany bureau cabinet / bookcase / secretary*, with secret compartments. In the manner of Giles Grendey (1693-1780). In mahogany and parcel gilt. Mid-18th century, George II period. This English bureau cabinet displays fine, deep, rich colour and superb surface patination throughout. The top section with a broken-arch pediment and dentil cornice. The frieze well carved with Gothic arcaded blind fretwork. Centred by a later urn-shaped finial. The cabinet with two carved parcel-gilt gesso bordered ogee shaped doors. Old but apparently later mirror plates enclosing a fitted interior with eight drawers and adjustable shelves. The cleated fall, with its original lock, now fitted with a wine red, gilt-tooled writing surface revealing an exceptionally high-quality arrangement of canopied drawers and pigeon holes. The interior is centred by an arched, architectural over door...

An early-18th century Coromandel lacquer corner cupboard or cabinet. This is rare - high quality Coromandel lacquer work (incised decoration) - not to be confused with the usual English japanned versions. This is also referred to as Bantam work, originating in Bantam, Dutch East Indies, and China, for export to the European market. The subject matter is of a major pavilion with numerous courtiers - most unusual to see only females - it has been suggested that they may be concubines to a Mandarin. All of high quality and in the sought-after and refined chinoiserie taste. In very good unrestored state, retaining vibrant colours and all its original hardware. This is a chic antique, and makes a lovely chinoiserie drinks cabinet...

A rare chinoiserie standing double corner cabinet, or cupboard. English, George I-period, ca 1720. Often erroneously referred to as lacquer work, this is japanned. Beautifully decorated with idyllic scenes of rockwork, pagodas, people, trees, birds, water, with bridges and a boat. This is a lovely and very useful addition to a room - where corners can present furnishing dilemmas - and this is a chic antique drinks cabinet. These have always been very hard to find, as opposed to the more usual Georgian hanging corner cupboards...

A fine quality small-sized Chippendale-period Cuban mahogany chest of drawers. Late-George II period, circa 1760. This is an exceptional antique...

A late 18th century George III period brass-bound mahogany wine cooler, on its original detachable stand of four tapering legs terminating in brass cappings and castors. With apparently original side-carrying handles, the interior has its original lead lining and drainage tap. In very good condition with excellent color and patina. Ca 1790. With its fitted glass top, it can be used as a small antique side...

A small late 18th century secretaire bookcase / cabinet. George III period, circa 1790. Of very good rich color. Inlaid and crossbanded throughout. Only 2'5" wide. Mounts are corre...

An English oak and walnut chest of drawers. Charles II period (1630-1685). The drawer fronts with walnut inserts of superb colour. The substantial moulded top has cleated ends. Cont...

A small Welsh early-18th century oak sideboard, of good rich colour and patination. With three fielded, panelled and chamfered central working drawers, flanked by double fielded pan...

A rare William & Mary-period walnut double-dome bureau bookcase / cabinet. Circa 1685. Of compact size and proportions. In excellent overall condition with old, waxed, well-patinated surfaces of very good color. This bureau bookcase, or cabinet, divides into three separate sections (which helps date it to the last quarter of the 17th century). The bold double-dome pediment and cross-grain mouldings are typical of this period, and are repeated in the side returns. The book-matched, hand-cut veneers are well figured throughout, and are contained within herringbone lines. The bookcase section has candle slides, contains shelves and fitted drawers. Gilded finials are later. The centre section with a quarter-veneered fall reveals a fitted interior, concealed well and a secret compartment. The writing section is raised on a three-drawer base with an unusual and boldly-arcaded apron, in turn raised on its apparently original walnut bun feet. The drawer dividers are faced with cross-grain walnut ‘D’ mouldings. The brass engraved mounts are correct for period but not original, however the locks and hinges are. It is unusual to encounter these early bookcases / cabinets constructed in three stages; an indication of a transition taking place from the 17th century into the 18th century. This is a fine, rare and sophisticated piece of late-17th century walnut furniture...

An oval mahogany wine cooler, George III period, circa 1790. With excellent, unrestored, deep, rich color and patination, and original solid-brass carrying handles to either side. This smart Georgian wine cooler (cellaret or cellarette) retains its original waxed surface and patina. It is brass-bound (of coopered construction) supported on its separate, original stand. Raised on square tapering legs terminating in its original brass cappings and castors. It can be also used as a small side table or lamp table. Comes with a bespoke, clear, safety glass cover. Nb. An antique oval wine cooler of this design is quite rare, and makes a very elegant addition to a dining room sideboard, or an occasional table in a drawing room. By removing the top, some examples of this form of wine cooler were often later converted to be used as jardinières. See Christies, 23rd May 2013, lot 23: a mahogany oval wine cooler sold @ £17,500. Literature: Ralph Edwards CBE FSA 'Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture', Hamlyn, London (Fourth Impression 1972) p. 640: “In late Georgian times the wine cooler was generally a plain mahogany tub hooped with brass and standing on four legs. Mary Kenyon in a letter to her mother (October 30th 1775) wrote that among the furniture in the parlour of her new house in Lincoln’s Inn Fields was a ''handsome cistern of mahogany with brass hoops etc. under the sideboard”. A typical example of a brass-bound wine cooler is shown in a picture by Zoffany, representing William Ferguson...

An early-18th century English walnut secrétaire kneehole desk. George I-period (1714-1727), circa 1720. Of exceptional waxed honey colour and lovely old patina, with well-matched veneers. With a quarter-veneered top. Six short drawers below a hinged fall revealing a writing section, all surrounding a central recessed cupboard. There is a small, shaped pull-out drawer fitted in the apron. All finely inlaid with herringbone lines. Raised on its original bracket feet. Swan-neck handles probably fitted later in the 18th century. Locks and keys are mostly original. Walnut veneered and crossbanded sides. Nb. Having a fitted secrétaire (secretaire) drawer distinguishes this antique walnut kneehole desk...

An antique Venetian rococo japanned (or 'lacquer') cabinet. This rare and sophisticated antique cabinet separates in two, with bombé and serpentine profiles. The particularly fine ...

A small-sized mid-18th century mahogany bureau bookcase / cabinet. George II-period, ca 1740. This diminutive Georgian bureau bookcase – als...

An English George III-period walnut and mahogany caddy-top bachelor’s chest. Mid-eighteenth century, ca 1760. This is a superb quality bachelor chest with slide, in a rare combination of well-figured walnut and mahogany of deep, rich colour. Containing four graduated cockbeaded working drawers, unusually faced with veneers, rather than in the usual solid. Of fine colour, patina and excellent proportions. Raised on the original bracket feet and retaining its original brass swan-neck handles. In excellent condition throughout. Sophisticated, very useful and smart. A chic antique. W 36” (95 cm) D 19” (48 cm) H 32 3/4’’ (83 cm). Literature: A. Hepplewhite and Co. 'The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer's Guide 1788', plate 75 ''Dressing Drawers...

An exceptional English Sheraton-period satinwood secretaire cabinet. Attributed to Gillows. Late-18th century, George III, ca 1790. Measures: H 59 1/2’’ (151 cm) W 30’’ (76 cm) D 19’’ (49 cm). This small, beautifully-proportioned, and sophisticated antique writing cabinet...

A Queen Anne-period walnut veneered & featherbanded double-dome bookcase or cabinet of good rich colour. The two door mirrored upper section surmounted b...

A fine English George I-period burr (burl) walnut secretaire cabinet attributed to Old & Ody. Early-18th century, ca 1720. The top section separates from the base and opens to reveal numerous fitted drawers, behind doors with original bevelled arched mirror plates. The base contains a fall-front fitted secretaire with small drawers, two of which have secret drawers. Engraved mounts are contemporary if not original. All locks and cross-grained mouldings are original. Beautiful deep rich colour throughout, with superb matched burr veneers within herringbone lines. Bun feet are original. Lined throughout in best-quality English oak. The well patinated, green, gilt-tooled liner in the writing surface appears original. In excellent condition overall. Very much in the style of John Old & William Ody. One of the most original early-18th century pieces of English walnut cabinet...

An exceptional English Regency-period bonheur du jour attributed to John Maclean, ca 1810. A fine early-19th century rosewood and brass-inlaid bonheur du...

Charles II period (1630-1685) oak and walnut chest of drawers, or commode. Retaining old waxed surfaces of very good rich color and patination. With typical geometric drawer fronts and side runners, confirming a late 17th century date of c 1680. Walnut panel inserts to the drawer fronts. Retains its original stile feet and the base with its original bold moulding. Brass key escutcheons...

A rare English mahogany wine waiter or bottle carrier / stand. Of superb colour and patination. Mid-18th century, late George II period, circa 1750-1760. This fine, larger-than-usual, Georgian example retains its original lion mask gilt-brass mounts, and has survived with its original fretted angles. Rare to find in this excellent condition in view of the considerable use to which it would have put been during the last 265 or so years. These scarce open-topped Chippendale period wine waiters serve as bottle carriers raised on legs, with brass castors. They were designed to allow bottles to be circulated around a dining room for guests to help themselves. They had divisions, separated from their stands, and also had a central arched-shaped carrying handle. When not-in-use these wine waiters, or wine wagons...

A George III-period mahogany bachelor's chest with caddy top. Late-18th century, circa 1780. With four graduated cockbeaded drawers and a pull-out slide. Raised on its original bracket feet. Nb. This has the unusual feature of a caddy top. Retaining its original brass swan-neck handles, locks and key escutcheons. This very useful Georgian bachelor, or bachelor's, chest was designed with a pull-out slide for ironing and folding clothes...