Details
Description
Anglo-Chinese Rarity: Early 19th-Century Chinese Export Black Lacquer Writing Desk,
Canton,
Circa 1820
A fascinating and rare early 19th-century Chinese …
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Anglo-Chinese Rarity: Early 19th-Century Chinese Export Black Lacquer Writing Desk,
Canton,
Circa 1820
A fascinating and rare early 19th-century Chinese Export writing table (or desk), produced in Canton for the Western market circa 1820. This piece is a prime example of "China Trade" furniture, seamlessly blending a sturdy English Regency form with the exotic allure of Chinese lacquerwork.
The desk features a rectangular top with a raised gallery edge, hand-painted with scrolling floral motifs. The primary writing surface is richly decorated with a detailed gilt landscape scene featuring pagodas, willow trees, and figures in a garden setting.
Collector's Note: Unusually, this top surface decoration appears to be a Regency English Chinoiserie work. It is likely that the original Chinese surface was plain black lacquer (intended for heavy use as a writing plane) and was subsequently decorated in England to match the rest of the piece, transforming it from a purely functional object into a decorative showpiece.
The frieze is fitted with two working drawers, each retaining its period faceted glass knob handles. The whole is supported by four elegant turned legs, featuring alternating baluster and reeded sections that firmly ground the piece in the George III/Regency style.
Measurements:
Total Height: 36 inches (91.4 cm)
Writing Surface Height: 32 3/4 inches (83.2 cm)
Width: 38 inches (96.5 cm)
Depth: 21 1/4 inches (54.0 cm)
Leg Clearance (Kneehole): 26 1/2 inches (67.3 cm)
Historical Context:
During the early 19th century, captains and supercargoes of the East India Company brought back furniture made in Canton to English specifications. While the forms were Western (to suit European sitting habits), the decoration—lacquer and gold—was distinctly Eastern. This desk represents the dialogue between these two cultures, adapted over time to suit the changing tastes of the English interior.
(Ref: NY10876-iurr)
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- Dimensions
- 38ʺW × 21.25ʺD × 36ʺH
- Table Shape
- Rectangle
- Table Knee Clearance
- 26.5 in
- Period
- Early 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- China
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Lacquer
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Black
- Condition Notes
- Condition: Good antique condition. The structure is solid and stable. The gilt decoration remains largely intact and legible. Wear: The … moreCondition: Good antique condition. The structure is solid and stable. The gilt decoration remains largely intact and legible. Wear: The wear is found on the most used part of the piece- the drawers. There has been some lifting and loss (see photos) which has been secured . There is some minor gilt loss to the front of the right-hand drawer (consistent with usage wear near the handle). A slight lifting/crackle to the lacquer is present on the left drawer and small sections of the sides; this is perceptible to the touch but does not detract significantly from the visual impact. less
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