catalog text
GERMAN EDWARDIAN INLAID EBONY TWO-PART CORNER DISPLAY CABINET
By Max Böttcher, Düsseldorf, Germany | original label to the reverse including the maker's address | circa 1900
Item # 309PLP24A
An unusual and quite interesting two-part corner cabinet of the Edwardian period in Germany, it was made by a cabinetmaker named Max Böttcher and retains his neatly hand-written label affixed to the reverse. The facade appears to be a deeply stained fruitwood, perhaps cherrywood, which initially would have likely been almost black but over the years has mellowed to a warm charcoal hue. This contrasts brilliantly against the intricate inlays, these exquisitely incised and detailed throughout the door panels and vertical stiles.
Almost all of the glass on the cabinet has been replaced by our gallery to ensure heavy tempered bevelled glass for all exterior panes and incredibly strong 3/8" thick polished glass shelves capable of holding a great deal of weight.
The cabinet is quite restrained in proportions, the left side being just under 11" deep, allowing it to be a part of even small spaces without dominating the room. A very striking display piece.
Measurements: 56 1/2" H x 62 1/8" W [total cabinet]; 10 3/4" D x 38 5/8" W [left side cabinet]; 28" D x 23 5/8" W [right side corner cabinet]
Condition Report:
Mostly new glass throughout; mirror installed in the back of the left-side display case and wooden molding added to secure the glass; old finish with scars, blemishes and various flaws from time and use through the years; bottom right foot of the corner cabinet has lost the back half of the foot - presently that does not pose any issues keeping the cabinet stable; immediately above this foot is a spot of veneer loss.