Bronze Cabinets

A magnificent pair of monumental antique English samovars on Regency period (1800-1830) mahogany cellarettes or liquor / wine side cabinets. Originating in England, cellarettes were generally fine quality custom made wooden chests intended to transport or store alcoholic beverages. Hand-crafted of fine woods, like mahogany or rosewood and in numerous distinctive shapes and sizes, such as sarcophagus or uniquely tapered, you would often see cellarettes placed in dining rooms, freestanding or occasionally incorporated into a sideboard. In this formal era, gentlemen of considerable financial means typically would display their cellarette as a sign of their wealth, while some of the most wealthy would have as many as three cellarettes as a status symbol. Born in England in the early 19th century, this remarkable pair of large cellarettes were hand-crafted from the finest mahoganys, including rich solid woods and highly figured flame mahogany, accented in stringing and ebony banding. Featuring grand Neoclassical architectural inspired tapering pedestal form, extra bottles of wine were easily at hand in the cabinet, while the other cabinet and drawers solved storage issues for accessories, utensils, and dirtied glassware. The mirrored pair, having a rectangular shaped cross-banded top with molded edge, over tapering column case fitted with two high-quality hand-cut dovetail drawers, affixed with the original turned pulls flanking brass keyhole escutcheons, above narrowing recessed panel cabinet door, opening to reveal spacious shelved interior, rising on shaped front feet and block rear feet. circa 1815 Topped with a most impressive pair of functional later antique, circa 1860, tavern size samovars, gilt metals, copper and tole, featuring gilded lion rampant decoration over blue paint, massive bulbous body hydria urn form with bronze fittings, wooden handles, dual hinged lids, coal chimney, and pour spout handle marked "B&C 3/4" Truly a stunning example, sure to become the focal point of any room, while adding refined sophisticated elegance, classic warmth, timeless luxury, and rich historical depth! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 70" Tall, 20.5" Wide 23" Deep; Cabinet only: 40" High, 16.5" Wide, 22.5" Deep Samovar / Hot Beverage Dispenser: 30" High, 20.5" Wide, 18" Deep Condition: Great original unrestored antique condition with beautifully aged warm rich dark patina. Wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered nicks, chips, scratches and minor losses. No key present. Samovar with chippy paint finish losses, repaired handle, slight bending, all age appropriate. Nothing that detracts from the display or functionality but only adds to the elegant antique character and rustic old world European charm. Matched set of four pieces. Interesting additional info / history: Wood box containers as freestanding alcoholic beverage cabinets first appeared in Europe in the 15th century to hold and secure alcoholic beverages in public houses. The main purpose of a liquor cabinet or cellarette was to secure wine and whiskey from theft as the bottles were discreetly hidden and the cupboard could have a lock to secure it. In America, cellarettes of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries could be found in taverns and pubs and, in some cases, in the private homes of the elite. In the 18th century a cellarette was sometimes referred to as a "Mahogany Butler for liquors" or a "wine cooler" or a "butler". The word bouteillier / butler was later standardized as a reference to the staff person exercising custodial responsibility over the bottles contained in a cellarette or wine cellar. The origin and history of the samovar prior to the 18th century is unknown. Connections exist to a similar Greek water-heater of classical antiquity, the autepsa, a vase with a central tube for coal. The Russian tradition was probably influenced by Byzantine and Central Asian cultures. Conversely, Russian culture also influenced Asian, Western Europe and Byzantine cultures. The first historically recorded samovar-makers were the Russian Lisitsyn brothers, Ivan Fyodorovich and Nazar Fyodorovich, circa 1778. By the 19th century samovars...

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