A BAMBOO, RATTAN, WALNUT AND PART EBONISED 'CHINOISERIE' BREAKFRONT SIDE CABINET

A BAMBOO, RATTAN, WALNUT AND PART EBONISED 'CHINOISERIE' BREAKFRONT SIDE CABINET BY LA MAISON DES BAMBOUS, FRENCH, CIRCA 1880 with elaborately decorated panels, three drawers and three doors enclosing shelves, labelled 'PERRET & VIBERT PARIS' 108.5cm high, 137cm wide, 54cm deep Founded in 1872 by Ernest Vibert and Robert Perret, La Maison des Bambous initially designed furniture in the fashionable chinoiserie or orientaliste taste, before also trading in Chinese antiques and furniture. Recorded in the Didot-Bottin as a shop of 'meubles et articles de Chine et Japon', they were awarded two medals at the 1889 Exposition Universelle Condition Report: Good, structurally secure with minor general wear and tear. The cabinet is well preserved with barely any apparent loss, the bamboo in good condition, and employing different colours of bamboo and different varnishes to good effect. The walnut and stained or ebonised pearwood top is quarter veneered and shows very light wear. The ebonised surface behind the bamboo filigree with some minor chips and scuffing, all panels behind the doors with vertical shrinkage splits. Some very minor shrinkage between applied bamboo elements, the oak carcase is dry, sturdy and good quality. Engraved `Chinese(?)' inscription to centre left upright. Two keys supplied. Condition Report Disclaimer