A FINE WILLIAM & MARY WALNUT AND SEAWEED MARQUETRY CHEST OF DRAWERS, CIRCA 1690

A FINE WILLIAM & MARY WALNUT AND SEAWEED MARQUETRY CHEST OF DRAWERS CIRCA 1690 The rectangular top with geometric panels of marquetry, above two short and three long graduated drawers all with oval marquetry panels, foliate decorated cross-banding throughout, the sides each with arched shaped marquetry panels, supported on bun feet, one drawer bearing a retailer's ivorine label for 'Moss Harris and Sons, New Oxford Street, London' 84.5cm high, 97cm wide, 58cm deep Provenance: Private Collection, Fort Augustus, Scotland This rare marquetry chest is typical of the work of that often associated with the celebrated cabinet-maker Gerrit Jensen. Favoured by King William and Queen Mary, his patrons also included many of the aristocracy of the time and he is known to have worked at Burghley House, Chatsworth, Arundel Castle, Boughton House and Petworth to name a few. Examples of his work for the King and Queen are illustrated in R.W. Symonds, 'Gerrit Jensen, Cabinet-Maker to the Royal Household', Connoisseur, Vol. 95, January-June 1935, pp. 268-274. The delicately rendered 'seaweed' or 'arabesque' marquetry (called 'filigree' in the early eighteenth century) is characterized by its two-dimensionality and dense foliate scrolls, and its panels are cut in a single operation. Very similar chests were sold Christie's, New York, Important English Furniture, 11th October 2007, Lot 210 ($58,600) and Sotheby's, Important English Furniture, 4th June 2008, Lot 24 (£25,000). Another closely related chest was sold in these rooms, 30th November 2022, Lot 41 (£21,250). This chest retains a trade label for Moss Harris and Sons, New Oxford Street, London. Moss Harris were one of the foremost London dealers in the first half of the 20th century and held Royal Warrants to H.M. The Queen (Queen Mary) from the 1920's and the Prince of Wales during 1929-1936. Condition Report: Chest in overall sympathetically restored, tidy/presentable condition Marks, knocks, scratches and abrasions commensurate with age and use The expected old splits and chips Various old veneer and moulding repairs Metalware replaced Handles and escutcheons have a brightly gilded surface, this could be easily 'muted' by a restorer if required. Lockplates to the two upper drawers have been removed and replaced with a block of timber. Some small plugged holes to drawer fronts from previous fixtures One key present and operates two locks, the remaining lock is open Various paper linings to drawers which bear the expected marks, discolouration and wear Drawer linings are very well executed old replacements. Some later supporting blocks and batons to the interior of the carcass, and replaced drawer runners Backboards have good age but are likely later replacement. Some evidence of old worm in places, some filler and wax has been used to disguise. Turned feet are well matched old replacements The lower moulding that the feet sit into appears to be an old replaced element, but matches the rest of the piece remarkably well and is only noticeable upon close inspection. Please see all the additional condition report photographs through the link on the condition report email as a visual reference of condition.Condition Report Disclaimer