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This bureau-cabinet demonstrates the success of the Chinese export trade in combining local craftsmanship with Western forms during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these items were used in the residences of the major colonies of the British and Dutch East India Companies. This mid-Georgian style bureau-cabinet features an unusual cresting elaborately carved in high relief with floral motifs and is constructed of solid padouk, a particularly dense timber in the rosewood family that is intrinsic to Southeast Asia. A similar example with gilt-enriched swan's neck cornice is illustrated in P. Broome, ed., The Hyde Park Collection 1965-1990, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 83. Another block-fronted bureau-cabinet carved in a similar fashion is illustrated in C. Crossman, The China-Trade, Woodbridge, 1991, p. 223, col. pl. 77.
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Condition report
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
With a clean, complete well-maintained appearance, structurally sound and ready to use. With general overall marks, nicks, surface scratches, tiny losses and repairs consistent with age and use. Minor areas of dirt accumulation in crevices. As stated in the cataloguing, the escutcheons original but later silvered, the silvered pulls and mounts later, one finial possibly later, feet possibly reduced. The mirrors with scattered losses to silvering as visible in catalogue images. The back has been cut to fit a television, which is visible from catalogue images.