Very Fine William IV Rosewood Bookcase

About the Item

This fine book case is constructed in Rosewood throughout. Made in England during the reign of William IV circa 1840 the wood choice would have been the most costly choice and showed the control and colonial ambition of the most important navel power of its day. Imported woods allowed the English to display the far flung colonies they possessed and to demonstrate that the sun never set on the British Empire. The book case has a number of interesting features.First the large lozenge shaped trim is carved from the sold wood a rich and expensive detail, all the carved acanthus elements at the left and right of the piece are done with a slight bend in the carving making the pieces andorsed and not repetitive but specific to there location The gilding is rich and in real gold on deeply carved elements while the large flat surfaces of rosewood are selected soley to show the most choice of the grains available at the time creating a richly patterned surface. Top and bottom sections have movable shelves allowing for personal needs and the back section while currently upholstered and be changed easily by removing the panels and putting a color in that relates to a customers specific room scheme. The piece comes in two sections making moving either into a room or for shipping easy and both sections have locks and keys. Of note ( see photo 8) the bookcase has several Kentshire Gallery stickers remaining . This firm in New York City is known for its display of only the best English goods as a focus but merchandise of the highest quality from all periods.

Dimensions:

Height: 93.5 in (237.49 cm)Width: 50 in (127 cm)Depth: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)

Style:

William IV (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Fabric,Glass,Rosewood,Gilt

Place of Origin:

United Kingdom

Period:

1840-1849

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1840