A Very Fine & Rare 18th Century Chinese Export Padouk Block-Front Bureau
Canton Circa 1750
 
The richly figured case showing a drop-down panel with a lectern bar, fronting an interior fitted with an arrangement of twin banks of small drawers, pigeonhole compartments & vertical compartments with stop fluted fronts, flanking a central cupboard door, overtop a writing surface with a welled stationary compartment beneath a retracting panel. The base showing four tiers of graduated ‘block-fronted’ drawers comprised of three full width drawers & two short drawers, all retaining their original paktong hardware, both sides mounted with robust, original paktong carrying handles & backplates.
                                                                                            
Raised overall on bracket feet that had previously fronted barrel shaped ‘squat’ wood casters, which have been removed but retained.                                                         
 
Heavily constructed of solid timbers, demonstrating exceptional graining & colour with a fine old surface & patina overall.
 
A remarkably fine & rare example of 18th century Chinese Export furniture made for the English or Dutch market.
 
Dimensions
40” high x 39” wide x 23” deep.
 
Literature
A near identical example of this base is described & illustrated in part on page 223 plate #77 of ‘The Decorative Arts of The China Trade’ by Carl L. Crossman.