Details
In six sections with moulded rectangular dentiled cornice and broken pediment centred by a stand and carved with an arcaded moulding above gothic blind fretwork and a pair of geometrically-glazed cupboard doors enclosing six shelves, flanked by two glazed sections each with moulded domed cornice and plain glazing bars headed by confronting C-scrolls and foliage issuing from a Corinthian capital, enclosing three shelves, the base centred by a pair of panelled cupboard doors with re-entrant corners and inlaid with chequer-banding, flanked on each side by a door with conforming decoration and enclosing a single drawer, the interior door stiles painted with a non-sequential series of numbers
113 in. (287 cm.) high; 112 in. (284.5 cm.) wide; 20 in. (51 cm.) deep
Provenance
Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 11 April 1991, lot 164.
Brought to you by

Lot Essay

Thomas Chippendale's design was first published in 1753 and is included in all three editions of The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1762, pl. XCIII. This bookcase has the additional refinement of a chequered inlay, like the sunburst stars on the set of three bookcases supplied by Chippendale for Pembroke House, London, and now at Wilton (see: C. Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, vol. II figs. 66-68). This model is probably the most frequently copied of all Chippendale's designs for bookcases; an example attributed to the American cabinet-maker Thomas Elfe, circa 1770, is in the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Winston-Salem (op. cit., fig. 83).

Related Articles

Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.

More from
Collections: Including Pietra Dura from the Baron Family
Place your bid Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms. View Condition Report