An exceptional marquetry and… - Exceptional in Australia - Artvisory

Lot No.

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Description:

An exceptional marquetry and parquetry inlaid mahogany breakfront library bookcase, English circa 1785. Provenance: Apter Fredericks, London, presumably acquired in mid 1980's or earlier as this bookcase is recorded in a Leonard Joel insurance valuation in 1988, ( Recorded as K Fredericks but presumably A ( Albert) Fredericks, later called Apter-Fredericks) but unfortunately no purchase invoice now exists. The Estate of Judith and Bruce Terry, Teychell, 16 Moule Avenue Brighton Victoria, Australia. This tripartite bookcase, of appealing small proportions, is surely one of the finest examples ever put up for sale in Australia. It's simplicity and restraint in design is defied by its quality of workmanship. Authenticity features abound, such as the matched backboards to the top and bottom, sun-fading evidence where the drop handles have blocked the sun for generations, identical stringing and cross-banding to the cornice on the upper part and to the frieze of the lower part. Indicators of its outstanding quality include the fact that the drawers linings are made of Padouk, which in itself sets the piece above the rest, but then you look at other features, such as the central secretaire-drawer and the superb quality cast-bronze handles, with their oval palm leaf central bosses. The parquetry work on the fascia of the lower frieze is, in itself, a tour de force. The oval veneers to the doors have been selected from the very finest available flame-mahogany and would have been very expensive as an imported and highly-prized timber of the day. All in all, these features point to the likelihood that this bookcase was both designed and made by one of the leading cabinet-makers of the day. Dimensions: 220 cm wide, 54 cm deep, 260 cm high

Estimate:

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Category:

Furniture: Bookcases