Hand-Painted Bureau Bookcase with Oriental Scenes, Barcelona, 1960s

Details

Description

This bureau bookcase was handcrafted by a cabinetmaker in Barcelona in the 1960s, reflecting the strong tradition of artisanal furniture … Read more This bureau bookcase was handcrafted by a cabinetmaker in Barcelona in the 1960s, reflecting the strong tradition of artisanal furniture production in Catalonia during the mid-20th century.

The piece is distinguished by its hand-painted decoration with Oriental-inspired scenes, executed using a mixed technique that combines painting with raised relief work, giving the surfaces depth, texture, and a sculptural quality. This type of relief decoration is the result of a labor-intensive manual process, characteristic of bespoke or very limited-edition furniture.

The iconography draws inspiration from Chinoiserie and Oriental Revival aesthetics, popular in European decorative arts throughout the 20th century, where imagined landscapes, traditional figures, and maritime scenes were interpreted through a Western artistic lens.

Crafted entirely by hand, this bureau bookcase was not part of an industrial series and should be regarded as a one-of-a-kind piece, created either as a custom commission or within a small workshop production. The natural patina and craquelure visible today are consistent with age and contribute to its authenticity and decorative appeal. See less