Painted Furniture

Exceptional Early Georgian Irish Black and Gilt Japanned Timber Corner Cupboard

A rare and highly decorative early Georgian Irish black and gilt japanned timber corner cupboard of imposing architectural form, dating from the first half of the 18th century.

The cupboard is conceived as a monumental architectural niche, surmounted by a bold breakfront moulded cornice above an exquisitely carved and gilded openwork frieze of scrolling acanthus foliage, centred by a pierced cartouche. The whole is enriched with finely moulded gilt borders and is flanked by boldly fluted Corinthian pilasters with richly carved capitals.

The arched central opening is framed by a deeply moulded gilt arch, centred by a finely carved gilt mask, while the bowed interior is decorated in white-painted faux stone panelling, creating the illusion of an architectural apse. The contrast between the dramatic black japanned exterior and the gilded carving beautifully enhances the richness of the ornament.

The reverse retains its original hand-hewn timber construction, demonstrating the quality and authenticity of its early eighteenth-century craftsmanship.

A remarkable survival of Irish decorative furniture, this impressive architectural corner cupboard was almost certainly intended to display an important sculpture, bust or collection of porcelain, and is an exceptional example of the exuberant carving and bold design associated with the finest Irish furniture of the Georgian period.

Price

£8,500

Reference number

22102

Origin

Ireland 18th century Circa 1730–1750

Measurements

Height: 204.5cm (80.5 inches)
113cm wide (bottom) x 110cm wide top x 57cm deep x (Interiors 178cm high x 81cm wide x 49cm deep)

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