A simulated tortoiseshell and gilt japanned bureau bookcase

A simulated tortoiseshell and gilt japanned bureau bookcase, circa 1720, decorated throughout with figures in traditional village scenes, the double domed cornice with three ball and spike finials, above a pair of mirror panelled doors, opening to an arrangement of pigeon holes, shelves and small drawers, the lower section with a hinged fall opening to an arrangement of pigeon holes, small drawers and a slide covered well, above two short and two long graduated drawers, on shaped bracket feet, 211cm high, 95cm wide, 54cm deep

Provenance: Private collection, Kent

Condition Report:
Marks, scratches and abrasions commensurate with age and use Some old chips and splits commensurate with age and use. Some small losses. The mirror plates of the doors may not be original but have significant age and are mercury plates. The timber boards forming the top ‘roof’ of the upper section are possibly later or have been cleaned. The pins securing them are likely later. The carcass is 18th century throughout. The rear panels and drawer linings are original. A slender section of timber to the uppermost edge of the rear panel of the base may be an old replacement. There is some division between the ‘floor’ of some drawer linings due to shrinkage as most often seen on a piece of this age. The decoration is likely later throughout, some may have been refreshed since first being applied. The detailed decoration is largely of raised type to the front of the piece throughout, but is not to the sides. The handles and escutcheons are associated but are 18th century. There is evidence that drop handles were originally present in alternate positions. The locks are likely 19th century. Keys are present to operate the locks. One drawer lock is lacking. The finials are later associated. The hinges to the fall are possibly old replacements. Some screws throughout are replacements. Of cleaned appearance overall. Since the catalogue image was taken of this piece, a small section of loss to the decoration (approx. 3cm square) to the fall has been sympathetically restored. The feet are constructed from period timber and may be original. There is a later glued block to support the feet, all other glued supporting blocks are lacking. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition.