A Rare George II Black and Gilt-Japanned Corner Cabinet
CIRCA 1740
Height: 94" Width: 38" Depth: 20"
Inventory Number 8203-396
Price
$44,000
Description
Decorated throughout with whimsical chinoiserie scenes set within diaperwork borders; the arched cornice over two doors opening to shaped shelves; the lower part fitted with a slide, over a drawer and two cabinet doors, on a plinth base. Restoration to painted surfaces.
Illustrated
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Additional Information
This cabinet is japanned with motifs inspired by the extremely fashionable lacquer imported to Europe from China and Japan. A Treatise on Japanning and Varnishing published by John Stalker and George Parker in 1688 gave instructions for japanning at home. Layers of size and whitening were applied to the object creating a surface up to a quarter-inch thick which was then blackened or, more expensively, colored, varnished and polished. Designs were traced with gold or vermilion size and colored. Raised decoration was made mixing whitening with gum Arabic and sawdust on a prepared ground.