REGENCY PARCEL-GILT AND EBONIZED BOOKCASE CABINET
Continental, circa second half of the 19th century

59 3/8" H x 17 1/4" D x 42 3/4" W

An ebonized and gilt one-piece bookcase cabinet, the upper section fitted with a pair of open grillwork doors, the heavy brass wire set in a diamond lattice pattern. The top is finished with a projecting anthemion and scrollwork cresting with elaborate gilt stencil decoration over the ebony ground. The stiles are enriched with alternating gilt roundels over very finely carved textured foliate ornament, executed in relief against the dark ground to heighten contrast.

The lower section presents a conforming pair of pleated-silk paneled doors, each retaining its original gilt latticework, these flanked by bold carved gilded pilasters with elongated stylized leaves draped over a textured fish-scale shaft terminating in clustered acanthus. The doors open to reveal a single shelf interior.

Unusual and very lively.

Condition: Extensive surface wear, most notably around the giltwood columns at the base where there is extensive loss to the foliage tips on either side. Other losses to the gilded elements, chipping and gesso/wood exposure. Inactive pest damage. Stains and discolorations to the fabric lining in upper and lower. Chip to lower right door in bottom right corner (hinge breakout). Shrinkage crack in horizontal surface between upper and lower cabinet. No key (locks untested). Old repaired crack to one point of the crown (top, tip one space in from the left corner). General natural wear to the ebony stain throughout. Backboards appear to be original and largely untouched, though most nails have been replaced with screws over the years. Overall "fair" condition, would benefit from restoration of the carving losses and replacement of interior fabrics.

ref. 510PIK14A