1980s Maitland-Smith Hand-Painted Faux Tortoiseshell Chest on Curule X-Base Stand

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Vintage Maitland-Smith Hand-Painted Faux Tortoiseshell Four-Drawer Chest on Carved Spanish Stand.

A striking and rare two-piece vintage collector’s chest on … Read more Vintage Maitland-Smith Hand-Painted Faux Tortoiseshell Four-Drawer Chest on Carved Spanish Stand.

A striking and rare two-piece vintage collector’s chest on stand by luxury artisan maker Maitland-Smith. Designed in two separate components, the upper four-drawer chest features hand-painted trompe l'œil faux tortoiseshell (faux écaille) finished in a multi-layered, mirror-sheen high-gloss lacquer. The rich amber, golden-honey, and deep espresso-mottled panels are bordered with crisp cream-toned geometric stringing with diamond lozenges on the top and sides, accented by antiqued cast brass bail pulls set on octagonal plates.
The chest rests securely upon an imposing, solid carved hardwood stand executed in the Spanish Baroque curule tradition. The X-frame base is richly detailed with deep relief acanthus leaves, diamond diaper-trellis carvings, a central floral rosette medallion boss, and scrolled paw feet. Because the cabinet and stand are completely separate units, the chest can also be styled as a freestanding tabletop or desktop jewelry/collector's chest, while the stand serves as a sculptural pedestal.
An exceptional statement piece ideally scaled for entry foyers, grand living rooms, bedside placement, or fine library settings.

Condition: Very good vintage condition consistent with age and gentle residential use. The high-gloss lacquer on the upper chest maintains a deep, reflective luster with minimal light handling marks. Solid carved hardwood base is structurally sound and sturdy. Drawers glide smoothly. Carved woodwork exhibits minor authentic surface rubs, and natural edge patina consistent with hand-waxed vintage finishes.

Dimensions:
Overall Height: 39.25 in (99.7 cm)
Overall Width: 21 in (53.34 cm)
Overall Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)

Creator / Maker: Maitland-Smith
Markings / Labels: Inset engraved brass plaque reading "Maitland-Smith" on the interior drawer casing. Stenciled workshop marking on underside: "HAND PAINTED MAITLAND SMITH (PHILS.) INC."
Period / Date of Manufacture: Late 20th Century (circa 1980s – 1990s)
Place of Origin: Philippines (designed under Maitland-Smith UK/US decorative leadership)
Style: Spanish Baroque Revival / Hollywood Regency / Grandmillennial
Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
Materials: Lacquered Hardwood, Solid Carved Hardwood, Cast Brass, Resin/Bone-Style Inlay
Finish: Hand-Painted High-Gloss Faux Tortoiseshell (faux écaille), Antiqued Walnut/Espresso Waxed Wood Hardware: Antiqued cast brass octagonal rosette backplates with drop bail handles
Configuration: Two-Piece Construction (Removable upper 4-drawer chest completely separate from the lower carved X-frame base) See less