IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
265-267 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HY, United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 7352 2188 Fax: +44 20 7376 5619 Email: antiques@apter-fredericks.com www.apter-fredericks.com
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IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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52253
A George II Walnut Armchair A very attractive armchair with a carved and pierced back, scrolling arms and cabriole legs. The open scrolled top rail finely carved with drapery over an elaborate splat carved with scrolls and trellis motif. The serpentine arms similarly carved with scrolls. Raised upon cabriole legs carved with acanthus and terminating in scrolled feet. English Circa 1750 Width 26” 66cm Depth 27” 69cm Height 38” 97cm
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52299
A Regency Period Mahogany Plate Stand The circular plate stand has a spindle gallery and is unusual for having a gap on each side, rather than the more typical one, and the rather nice feature of brass cappings. Below, the stand is supported on four turned, reeded and tapering legs which are finer than usual and are united by a concave sided platform stretcher. English Circa 1800 Diameter 13½” 34.5cm Height 27¼” 69cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
52273
A Pair of Regency Gilt-Wood Wall Lights Nowadays these might easily be regarded as mere decoration
English Circa 1800
but this is a mistake. As highly decorative as they are, these wall
Width 14” 36cm
lights were made to be used to illuminate the home they were
Depth 8½” 21.5cm
made for and should continue to be used in that way. There is
Height 44” 112cm
something magical about a room lit with candle light and never more so than when the light is dancing across a gilded surface.
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51786
A Pair of Ormolu & White Marble Cassolettes by Matthew Boulton Matthew Boulton was a genius. He was at
English Circa 1775
the heart of late eighteenth century design
Height 9¾” 25cm
and industry and he created a product that any discerning gentleman or lady had to
PROVENANCE
have. Examples of his work would have been
The Edward Sarofim Collection
seen in just about every grand house in the
The Horace ‘Woody’ Brock Collection
country. Not least in royal palaces both here and in Russia.
REFERENCE
The design may be found in Pattern Book 1, Nowadays, his work is amongst the
p.171, which is illustrated in N. Goodison,
most highly collected and prized of any
Ormolu, The Work of Matthew Boulton,
eighteenth-century ornament. This pair
London, 1974, pl.163, fig. m.
of cassolettes are a documented example
N. Goodison, Matthew Boulton Ormolu,
and were previously in two important
London, 2002, p.305, pl.278
collections.
A related pair is illustrated in Goodison, op. cit., 1974, pl.141 and op. cit., 2002, pl. 279
The ovoid shaped white marble vases with ormolu mounts conform to designs
Amongst related vases with this handle
by Matthew Boulton and relate to other
pattern
known examples detailed below. The voluted
commissioned by Sir Edward Knatchbull
handles terminate in Bacchic ram-masks
(d.1779) for Mersham-le-Hatch, Kent sold by
and are festooned with laurel and hung with
Lord Brabourne at Christie's London, 19 11
ribbon-tied swags. The waisted fluted socle
1992, lot 4.
and square stepped base supported on a further waisted square socle in white marble with guilloche cast ormolu mounts.
are
a
pair
almost
certainly
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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52075
A Benjamin Vulliamy Mantel Clock Made for William Beckford The clock's design was one of a series of 'lion'
producing exquisite ornaments for the
timepieces, with drum cases, flanked by
wealthiest connoisseurs in Britain; including
lions, on rectangular Ashford marble plinths
the Prince of Wales.
enriched with ormolu mounts. The clock is listed in one of Vulliamy's two surviving
WILLIAM BECKFORD ( 1759-1844)
work books housed at the Royal Horological
Beckford built Fonthill Abbey in Wiltshire
Institute at Upton Hall.
which was a vast Gothic revival mansion, with a splendid central tower, in which he
The Clock Engraved Benjamin Vulliamy,
housed his great art collection. He used as
London No 309
his architect the equally celebrated James Wyatt. Beckford had inherited the Fonthill
Width 9” 23cm
estate from his father Alderman William
Depth 4¾” 12cm
Beckford which included a Palladian
Height 9½” 24.5cm
mansion called Fonthill Splendens.
PROVENANCE
Sadly Beckford’s debts forced the sale of
William Beckford, delivered March 5, 1799
Fonthill Abbey and its contents over a
Private Collection, USA
series of sales which began in 1822, when some 2000 lots of furniture, pictures and
Benjamin Vulliamy was the son of a Swiss
objects were auctioned off, together with
watchmaker who emigrated to London
some 20,000 books ( cf. The Unique and
and married the daughter of the King's
Splendid Effects of Fonthill Abbey… The
Watchmaker, Benjamin Gray. Towards the
property and the most significant contents
end of the eighteenth century Vulliamy was
were purchased by John Faquhar who later
very successfully competing with French
consigned many of the objects to Phillips
makers supplying ornamental clocks in the
where Beckford and his son-in-law the Duke
neo-classical taste. By the 1800's his success
of Hamilton, were able to buy back much of it
led him to expand his repertoire. Taking
for prices considerably lower than Beckford
advantage of wartime restrictions on the
had originally paid.
import of French luxury goods, he began
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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52250
A Rare Chinese Export Glass Painting The painting depicts a beautiful lady pining for her lover. She sits in a room with Chinese ink paintings, a blue and white bowl and an exquisite hanging lantern. She rests her arm on a lacquer table and is wearing a voided rich blue velvet waistcoat decorated with dragon roundels. Her headdress with gilt filigree dragons, ruyi forms and a coral hair-pin. Below, she wears a further gold filigree torque clasping a lock-form bejewelled pendant. In her right hand, she holds a precious shell form gilt snuff box. The picture retains its original eighteenth century gilt lacquer frame. Chinese Qianlong Period Circa 1760 Width 17� 43cm Height 26� 66cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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52220
A Pair of Chippendale Period Stools An excellent pair of early Chippendale period stools with drop in seats upholstered in contemporary needlework. The show-wood friezes with ribbon and flower-head carved edge above four cabriole legs. Each leg carved with a cabochon to the knee and ball and claw feet. English Circa 1755 Width 22½” 57cm Depth 18” 46cm Height 18” 46cm
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52217
An Extremely Rare Pair of Chinese Nodding Figures in Original Costumes This truly exceptional and large pair of nodding figures is one of a very small number of known pairs retaining their original costumes. The condition of the costumes is remarkable. This handsome couple represent Han indigenous Chinese as opposed to Manchu. She has bound feet which is a Han tradition and not something the Manchu women did. He is a first rank mandarin as indicated by the red hat button. The dragon on the apricot coral silk robe is a four clawed Mang dragon. Again, a Han tradition that followed the old Ming dynasty laws that all Mandarins should wear a four-clawed dragon and not a five claw on their robes. The five-clawed dragon was reserved for the ruling class. The pattern of the 'Lishui' water and wave pattern and the colour palette all direct us to the DaoGuang period of 1821-1850. Chinese Circa 1821–1850 Height 26� 66cm OTHER EXAMPLES
A pair in the Green Drawing Room, Drottningholm Palace, Sweden The Cantonese Merchant Yamqua. Peabody Essex Museum, Massachusetts Figure of a lady, sold Christies London, 23rd November 2006, lot 94.
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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90272
A Rare Pair of Twin Branch Cut Glass Candelabra A wonderful pair of twin branch ormolu
background and bordered by a decorative
candelabra with central pineapple finial and
motif on a purple background to the top
scrolling arms supporting 'Van Dyke' pans
and laurel leaves on a purple background
and nozzles with cut glass drops. The bases
below. The tri-colour is the rarest type of
with the finest quality tri-colour Wedgwood
decoration.
Jasperware drums. English Circa 1790 The Wedgwood drums with superbly
Width 13” 33cm
modelled classical figures applied to a blue
Height 13½” 34cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
51723
A George II Walnut & Parcel-Gilt Mirror This type of mirror was known in the 1730's as a 'tabernacle' mirror, a term that originally referred to architectural niches in which to place a statue. As remarked by Adam Bowett, 'the figure of the deity was replaced by that of the viewer, seemingly without any sense of irony.' This example is veneered in the more expensive burr walnut, selected for its highly figured grain which was and is still highly prized, and is now a golden colour. The proportions of this mirror are also noteworthy, for the ratio between height and width and mirror plate to frame are well balanced. The shape of the 'swan-neck' pediment is also well drawn. English Circa 1740 Width 31” 79cm Height 59” 149cm REFERENCE 1
A. Bowett, Early Georgian Furniture 1715-
1740 (2009), pp. 294–95; see also ibid., plate 6:63 (a similar mirror from Apter-Fredericks’ archive).
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52318
An Impressive Amboyna & Ebony Centre Table This impressive table has been designed in the 'gothic' taste so prevalent in the second half of the nineteenth century. In this instance, the use of amboyna and ebony are testament to its quality. Indeed, the top has a book matched quarter veneered amboyna top with a burr elm border inlaid with decorative motifs. The top is supported on end supports with gothic tracery and cluster columns united by a stretcher with a colonnade of cluster columns. English Circa 1865 Width 5’ 153cm Depth 36” 91.5cm Height 29” 74cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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52291
A George II Giltwood Console Table after Designs by Matthias Lock A wonderfully light table epitomising the rococo design of the mid eighteenth century. The marble top above a pierced carved apron with C-scrolls, columns and foliage supported on cabriole legs, formed as two conjoining ‘C’ scrolls and terminating in stepped feet. English Circa 1750 Width 43” 110cm Depth 23½” 60cm Height 36” 91.5cm The present table bears striking similarities to the designs and work of the carver and designer Matthias Lock (b. c. 1710-d. 1765), namely to two pen and ink drawings for pier tables and mirrors, now in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, acquired by the museum in 1862 and 1863 from his grandson George Lock. This drawing shows a table with the same type of leg profile, similarly treated feet and pierced front apron.
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52277
A George III Mahogany Cellaret & Dumbwaiter This exceptionally rare piece is a wonderful example of a cabinet maker’s imagination and his mastery of both materials and technique. Standing on four ogee bracket feet, the bombe shaped base has three drawers, one of which is a lead lined cellaret, below three stepped tiers, each with arch shaped doors that open downwards, and surmounted by an octagonal cup with removable cover. The inclusion of a lead lined cellaret to cool the wine indicates that this piece was to facilitate drinking, presumably without the staff around, hence referring to it as a dumbwaiter. With the doors opened, the series of arches created rather invokes thoughts of temples, perhaps in this case one dedicated to Bacchus? English Circa 1770 Width 21¼” 54cm Depth 21¼” 54cm Height 63¾” 161cm PROVENANCE
Jean Stein February 9, 1934 – April 30, 2017. A renowned journalist and oral historian, Stein brought together fascinating people in legendary salon-like gatherings.
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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90252
A Pair of George III Embossed Bird Pictures Attributed to Isaac Spackman These pictures, which would appear to be
books, Edwards studied these assiduously
Edwards’
in their original frames, are numbered 2
and, having made up his mind not to enter
source material for Samuel Dixon’s first
and 6. The different birds seen in each of the
business, decided to travel abroad. Between
set of ‘Foreign Birds’, issued in 1750 and
pictures are taken from original prints by
1716 and 1733 he visited many foreign
subsequent works by Isaac Spackman.
George Edwards and may be seen in signed
countries but in December of the latter year
examples by Isaac Spackman. One painting
settled down in London and, through the
Isaac Spackman (fl. c.1750-71) was perhaps
illustrating a Golden Crested Pheasant and
influence of Sir Hans Sloane, was chosen as
the most accomplished and prolific of artists
Cranes, the other with a White Chinese
Librarian to the Royal College of Physicians.
who specialised in bird pictures. Described
Pheasant Hen and Cock with a smaller
Almost immediately he commenced the
after his death by Horace Walpole as ‘a
Blue Ouzel.
preparation of a series of coloured drawings
painter of birds, of Islington, London, he
of animals and birds for his A Natural
also worked in watercolour on vellum’.
English Circa 1760
History of Uncommon Birds, published
Spackman produced his first set of twelve
Width 17” 43cm
1743 - 53. He was awarded the Gold Medal of
bird pictures in 1754, and further sets in
Height 20½” 52cm
the Royal Society and later elected a Fellow.
1764 and 1769, the earlier sets relating closely
Such was the impact on Natural History that
to those of Dixon, and in turn to George
George Edwards (1694–1773) was born
Edwards is considered to have almost single-
Edwards’ original illustrations.
at Stamford, Essex and was educated at
handedly popularized the art of bird and
public school in Leytonstone, later being
animal illustration, and is thus known as
apprenticed to a tradesman in London.
“The Father of British Ornithology.”
Having access to a large library of scientific
publication
provided
the
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
51688
A Pair of George III Blue John Urns A pair of urns of classical form and intended to adorn a mantelpiece. Blue john objects became highly fashionable in the latter part of the eighteenth century. English Circa 1790 Height 10½” 27cm
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52278
A George II Carved Mahogany Side Table A table of great character and some eccentricity.
accentuating the curves to the frieze, which
This gloriously patinated table has a wonderful
creates a strapwork-like effect reminiscent
double shell carved into the frieze and stands
of earlier furniture. The time taken for new
slightly higher than is typical. This, combined
designs and ideas to filter out from the main
with the somewhat exaggerated splay to the
centres of manufacture, the eccentric nature
legs, lends the table far more presence than its
of this table and its combination of earlier and
small scale would normally merit.
more current motifs is explained by its being made outside of London. In any event, it is a
Interestingly, its component parts; the legs,
delightful table.
the claw and ball feet, the shell and shaped frieze are all very well executed. However, the
English or possibly Irish Circa 1740
quirky nature of the overall proportions does
Width 33” 84cm
suggest a provincial or indeed, Irish origin.
Depth 20” 51cm
This possibility is supported by the incised line
Height 35¼” 90cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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52004
An Exceptionally Attractive Pair of Decorated Chinese Nodding Figures The figures decorated in traditional ceremonial robes
Chinese, Qianlong Period,
which signify their status and rank at court. Both figures
Circa 1795
with the most attractive faces and dressed in contrasting
Height 11� 28cm
robes, hers being far simpler in decoration than his.
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
51655
A George III Chippendale Period Gilt-Wood Mirror The rectangular mirror plate framed by classical columns intertwined with foliage, flower heads and “C” scrolls. Surmounting the mirror is a wonderfully carved ho ho bird. English Circa 1765 Width 26” 66cm Height 47” 120cm
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52205
A Pair of George III Ormolu, Bronze & White Marble Candelabra This magnificent pair of candelabra are designed in the neo-classical manner to resemble Ancient Greek perfume burners or ‘cassolettes’. The domed shaped top, with a pineapple finial, may be turned upside down to reveal a nozzle for a candle. The bases having tripartite supports with superbly modelled ram’s heads to the top of each, chains suspended between them and terminating in cloven feet on an ormolu plinth. This in turn rests on an alabaster base with ormolu beading to the edge and an incised monogram AR either side of a crown. English Circa 1800 Diameter 3¾” 9.5cm Height 10½” 27cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
52184
An Impressive George IV Planter of Large Size The campagna body, carved with a band of lotus leaves, on a gadrooned and fluted socle and square base. The decoration is inspired by leaf friezes of similar form illustrated in C.H. Tatham, Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Architecture, 1799. English Circa 1825 Diameter 26” 66cm Height 35” 89cm
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52280
An Oak and Brass Letter Box A fine quality example dating to the late Nineteenth century which combines a golden coloured oak with brass and facetted glass. This model is quite unusual in having a clock in the arched top. English Circa 1880 Width 11” 28cm Height 18½” 47cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
52290
A Magnificent Bronze Lion Attributed to Gaetano Monti The finely sculpted bronze lion of impressive
Italian Circa 1820
stature and good patina. Standing with one
Width 20½” 52cm
paw resting on a ball and with thickly chased
Depth 10” 25.5cm
mane. The bronze attributed to the Milanese
Height 14” 36cm
sculptor, Gaetano Monti. 1750-1824
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52267
An Unusual French Snuffbox A most unusual double snuffbox celebrating the Océan-class battleships of the French Navy. The Océan-class ships of the line were a series of 118-gun threedecker ships designed by engineer Jacques-Noël Sané. Fifteen were completed from 1788 on, with the last one entering service in 1854; a sixteenth was never completed, and four more were never laid down. French Circa 1788–1830 Length 7” 18cm Depth 2” 5cm Height 3¾” 9.5cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
52286
A Pair of ‘Goat’s Head’ Vases by Matthew Boulton This was the most popular of Boulton’s small candle vases. They
English Circa 1768–1782
were produced between 1768, with the first recorded sale to Mrs
Width 2½” 6.5cm
Yeats, and certainly until 1782, when they were listed amongst
Height 8” 20cm
the stock. Whilst the metalwork was almost always ormolu, the bodies varied and included blue and green enamel, alabaster,
REFERENCE
leopard and tiger stone and, as in this example, Blue John.
Nicholas Goodison, Ormolu: The Work of Matthew Boulton, 1974, figs. 120 - 125
The goat’s head candle vases in ormolu and Blue John are
Nicholas Goodison, Matthew Boulton:
considered by many to be the most successful and attractive of
Ormolu, 2002, figs. 332 - 335.
Boulton’s ornaments. This design may be found in Pattern Book I, p.171
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52195
An Exceptionally Rare Mirror Attributed to Benjamin Goodison, Cabinetmaker to the Great Wardrobe The spectacular frame intricately carved with a series of decorative motifs including ribbon and flower head, Greek key pattern and an oak leaf and acorn border. Furthermore, the frame is surmounted by a scrolling pediment with acanthus leaf and a carved and pierced shell. English Circa 1730 Width 37” 94cm Height 56½” 143.5cm PROVENANCE
Norman Adams Ltd., Sold 1988. Private Collection, USA ATTRIBUTION
This mirror compares favourably in design and quality to those supplied by Benjamin Goodison to Frederick, Prince of Wales. The London cabinet-maker was favoured by the Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal family from the early 1730s until the late 1750s. Goodison's account in The Lord Chamberlain's papers for ”3 large Glass Sconces in carved & gilt frames wth. two wrot Arms to Each' for £27 of 1733 may relate to mirrors within this group. Although he made at least ten further ”sconces” similarly described and priced for the Prince's use at Hampton Court and Kew Palace. Benjamin Goodison was probably apprenticed to James Moore in 1720. By 1727 he had premises at the 'Golden Spread Eagle', Long Acre and it is assumed that Goodison succeeded Moore in royal service in 1726-27 after Moore's death. He is recorded as receiving payments from the Great Wardrobe from the late 1730s. REFERENCE
G. Child. World Mirrors. p.85 fig.76 G. Wills, English Looking Glasses. p.84 fig.54
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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52282
A Set of English Fireplace Tools The fire irons in polished steel and gilt brass. Dating to the latter half of the nineteenth century, the tools are of good weight and superb quality. English Circa 1880
Opposite: 52289
A Pair of Bronze & Gilt-Bronze Tazzas The design of the tazzas has strong affinities with the engravings illustrated in Thomas Hope’s seminal publication, Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807 which includes the introductory reference: `Throughout this vast metropolis, teeming as it does with artificers and trademsan I have, after the most laborious search, only been able to find...(one man)...to whose indistry and talent I could ...confide the execution of the more enriched portion of my designs: namely Decaix...a bronzist and native of France...’ Decaix, of Rupert Street, Piccadilly, who was also patronised by George Prince of Wales, later King George IV, was regarded as the leading London maker of mounts of the late Georgian era (see M. Chapman, 'Thomas Hope’s Vase and Alexis Decaix’, Bulletin of the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1988, pp. 217-221). English Circa 1810 Height 16” 40.5cm Diameter 10¼” 26cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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Above:
Opposite:
90273
52305
A Charming George III Period Mirror Picture
A George III Plate & Cutlery Stand
In a carved gilt frame, the mirror picture depicts a pastoral
stringing, a spindle gallery and bowed end. It is raised on four square
scene with figures walking along a river. English Late Eighteenth Century Width 15” 38cm Height 12” 30cm
The charming mahogany stand has a banded top with fruitwood tapered legs which kick out towards the floor and are united by a ring turned x-stretcher with finial before terminating in fine spade feet. English Circa 1805 Length 19” 48.25cm Width 12” 30.5cm Height 24½” 62.5cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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52293
A Pair of George III Sheraton Period Satinwood Commodes A pair of commodes from the latter half of the eighteenth century in a combination of satinwood and purpleheart with painted decoration to the oval panels in the doors. These highly functional pieces, with the drawer in the frieze and cupboards below, are excellent quality. This quality is illustrated by the inclusion of satinwood, which has become the most wonderful light colour, and silver plated handles. Pairs of commodes such as these are very rare and their inclusion in the Art Treasures Exhibition is testament to this fact. At this time, they were owned by the American dealer, Alistair Stair who sold them to a private collector.
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
43
English Circa 1780
EXHIBITED
Width 57” 145cm
The Art Treasures Exhibition, New York, 1967
Depth 20½” 52cm
Item 27, exhibited by Stair & Co.
Height 32¾” 83cm REFERENCE PROVENANCE
English Furniture, The Irwin Untermyer
The Lord Amherst, Later Baron Amherst of
Collection. Plate 287, Fig 329
Montreal, Kent (b. 29 Jan. 1717 d. 3 Aug. 1797)
A strikingly similar pair, formerly in the
Montreal Park, Kent
collection of Charles Richard John Spencer-
Stair & Co.
Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough, KG,
New York
TD. sold to Irwin Untermyer and now in the
Private collection, UK
Metropolitan Museum, New York.
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52308
A Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Paintings These reverse glass paintings each depict
of the eternal knot, symbol of long life,
musical instruments or to show they did not
a beautiful Court lady showing scholarly
and peonies symbolising feminine beauty,
have to work. Most likely each lady was of
attributes
to
pomegranates for fertility and the bamboo
Royal Manchu descent wearing informal
commemorate their birthdays. Each is finely
painted on the fan also alludes to long life.
gowns. The symbols especially the abundant
dressed, one in a cornflower blue silk damask
Their long black hair is drawn up showing
use of the eternal knot indicate long life
gown under which can be seen the edge of a
their beauty and decorated with an extension
birthday celebrations. Perhaps the portraits
wool lining, the other in a coral coloured silk
arranged with fresh flowers and ornaments.
were created to show their youth and beauty
and
possibly
painted
summer gown embroidered with auspicious
and eligibility to marry. The style of the
symbols. The gowns are both woven or
The inclusion of the Calligraphic scroll in
robes, colours and symbols all indicate mid-
embroidered with the symbol for long life
one and the fan in the other makes clear that
19th century designs between 1820-1850.
and the coral gown is also decorated with
the ladies are educated whilst indications as
butterflies symbolising happiness.
to their aristocratic status and wealth can be
Chinese Circa 1820–1850
gleaned from the use of kingfisher feathers
Width 19� 48.5cm
Further symbolism includes the use of a
adoring their hair ornaments and earrings.
Height 25� 63.5cm
phoenix hairpin and a hair pin in the shape
Their long nails symbolised the playing of
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
52287
A Rare George III Chippendale Period Side Table The table has a serpentine shaped top above a frieze
English Circa 1760
which is similarly shaped and has a single drawer. The
Width 38” 97cm
table stands on cabriole legs carved with ‘C’ scrolls and
Depth 20½” 52cm
bell flowers to the knees and terminating in scrolled feet.
Height 28½” 72.5cm
The table is the most outstanding colour and deeply
REFERENCE
patinated. It is one of three of this form that we know of.
English Furniture,
One, we handled in 1987 and another is in the Untermyer
The Irwin Untermyer Collection.
Collection in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
Plate 207, Fig 245
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52317
A Highly Decorative Pair of Gilt-Wood Torchères Dating to the Regency period, the torchères are extremely refined with the carving confidently executed. The motifs incorporated into the torchères include the pineapple. At this time, the pineapple, named for its resemblance to the pine cone, was still a luxury items and very much associated with welcome and hospitality. English Circa 1810 Height 46½” 118cm Diameter top 11” 28cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
52060
A Large George III Blue John Urn The classical shape of this vase is particularly well drawn and in combination with the warm colours of the Blue John stone is a pleasing example. English Circa 1800 Height 16½” 42cm Width 5¾” 14.5cm
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90253
A Pair of Chamberlain Worcester Ice Pails & Sorbet Jars The twin handled Grecian bucket shape vessels are decorated with a broad band of yellow scrolling acanthus on an orange ground between framing devices of gilt diamond lozenges with central stylised Chrysanthemum. The covers with similar decoration and gilt rising handles. English Circa 1815 Diameter 9” 23cm Height 9½” 24cm The jars may be used for sorbet. Ice chips were mixed with salt and packed into the lower section and the lid of the jar. The salt would have the effect of lowering the temperature of the ice by 5 degrees. PROVENANCE
Lord Rasmead
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
52309
A Pair of Regency Chinoiserie Candlesticks Each candlestick with an oriental figure standing on a chased ormolu and bronze plinth mounted with ormolu foliage. The figures each hold a parasol which is hung with bells and is topped with a chased nozzle for the candlestick. English Circa 1810 Height 12� 30.5cm
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52272
An Exceptionally Rare Pair of Chinese Export Pembroke Tables The tables decorated throughout with floral and foliate motifs. The oval tops incorporating a pair of hinged flaps and centred by an oval reserve painted with a depiction of a river landscape. The frieze with a drawer to each side decorated with vine leaves on a patterned background. Standing on square section tapering legs terminating in block feet with leather castors.
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
The tables are clearly from the same workshop as a dressing case in the
Chinese Circa 1800
Peabody Essex Museum Collection and a pair of bureau cabinets formerly
Flaps up 39½” 100cm
at Mereworth Castle in Kent. In his book on the Decorative Arts of the
Flaps down 24” 61cm
China Trade, Carl Crossman describes this ‘zig-zag’ lacquer from Canton
Depth 26” 66cm
as a ‘…more striking and forceful decoration popular around 1800 seen
Height 29” 74cm
only rarely on the finest and possibly the most expensive export lacquer.’
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IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
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52285
A Pair of Ormolu & White Marble ‘Cleopatra’ Candle-Vases by Matthew Boulton Each has a dished drip-pan above a
Rockingham bought a pair, though there is
fluted nozzle and ovoid bodies with
no indication of precisely what form these
rosette and garland swags and leaf-tip
vases took.
decoration on fluted socles. The pedestal, decorated to each side with medallions
In 1771 at Boulton’s sale at Christie’s, there
of Ceres, on stepped bases with ball feet.
were several pairs of vases that correspond to the description of the present pair and
English Circa 1770
Boulton specifically referred to ‘Cleopatra
Width 4¼” 11cm
vases’ in a subsequent letter to William
Height 11” 28cm
Matthews detailing the unsold stock.
Matthew Boulton’s candle vases of this
Despite being referred to as ‘Cleopatra’
pattern, one of the earliest of the vases to be
vases only one pair with medallions of
made at Soho, were commonly referred to as
Cleopatra is known; others depict Ceres, as
‘Cleopatra’ vases. The design for these vases
is the case with this pair. The vase pattern
conforms in almost every detail to a drawing
is discussed in detail in N. Goodison,
in Boulton’s Pattern Book I, p. 171. which
Matthew Boulton: Ormolu, London, 2002,
survives among the papers of Matthew
pp. 328 - 330, and three variations on the
Boulton at the Birmingham City Library.
pattern are illustrated, figs. 327, 328 and 329.
The vase pattern was invented for altar pedestals bearing `Cleopatra` medallions
LITERATURE
after the manner of a James Tassie gem.
Nicholas Goodison, Matthew Boulton: Ormolu, London, 2002, pp. 328 - 330
Boulton first used the term in correspondence
S. Mason, Matthew Boulton Selling what all
in 1770, when he thought the Dowager
the World Desires, New Haven and London,
Princess of Wales might be persuaded to
2009, p. 162, fig. 161
buy a pair. Later that year the Marquess of
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
55
56
52167
A most unusual pair of Regency period tea caddies The caddies decorated with a series of mirrored panels
English Circa 1810
decorated with a variety of outdoor pursuits and games.
Width 6¼” 15.9cm
These include rowing, hunting, shooting and cricket.
Depth 3¾” 9.5cm
There is even a game of tennis!
Height 4¼” 10.8cm
IMPORTANT ENGLISH FURNITURE
52258
A George III Chippendale Period Mahogany Occasional Table The table with a shaped gallery above two flame figured doors
English Circa 1770
decorated with ogee mouldings and patarae above four square
Width 21” 53.5cm
tapering legs terminating in block feet. The table further
Depth 13½” 34cm
enhanced by canted and fluted corners shaped brackets and
Height 27½” 70cm
the sides being decorated in the same manner as the doors.
57
58
52080
A Late Nineteenth Century Bookstand The octagonal top inlaid with geometric decoration and
English Circa 1860
banded in ebony and gilt metal beading. Below, the amboyna
Width 23½” 60cm
veneered frieze has further inlaid decoration above alternating
Depth 23½” 60cm
spaces for shelves and panels of amboyna framed in a series of
Height 25” 64cm
bandings and further enriched by gilt metal beading.
265–267 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HY, United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 7352 2188 Fax: +44 20 7376 5619 Email: antiques@apter-fredericks.com www.apter-fredericks.com