Scorched bamboo low bookcase from England c. 1885

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Scorched bamboo low bookcase from England c. 1885

About the Item

An attractive scorched bamboo low bookcase from England c. 1885. This open bookcase/display cabinet contains three shelves deep enough for books as well as three dimensional objects and its glossy black interior ensures a dramatic background. The use of bamboo as a structural material swept both England and France during the late nineteenth century as a passion for all things Japanese was fueled by the importation of porcelain, lacquerware, and especially woodblock prints that had a direct and major effect on the artists and fashionable emporiums of the day. Because it was not a native material, bamboo's exotic quality was extremely desirable in affluent households. This particular bookcase has a rectangular top with a large edge that frames an interior fillet. The front corners are united at a forty-five degree angle to ensure the bamboo does not split or fray. But the end of the bamboo that sits against the way has a straight cut as it was never seen or subjected to any wear. The legs are straight verticals at the back where the front legs have an elegant flare at the base. This not only gives the cabinet an elegant profile, but it makes reference to the earlier English leg developed by Thomas Sheraton, now rendered as a totally different material and context. The top and sides were originally covered with a woven matting that proved to be too fragile and became easily damaged. Now the top has a beautiful leather surface in black with tooling depicting fish scales in gilt that was a favorite design motif seen on Japanese porcelain. Each of the sides also are covered in leather again in black and decorated with a pattern of fish scales at the top and bottom that balance the centre medallion and scrolls. This versatile piece will bring an unexpected element of surprise and practicality to the room it is placed within.

Dimensions:
Height: 41 in (104.14 cm)Width: 43.5 in (110.49 cm)Depth: 14 in (35.56 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Bamboo,Leather
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1885
Condition:
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: EFG141stDibs: U1010298668273