19th-century Lacquered Chinoiserie Secrétaire

Item Description & Information

A rare 19th-century made for export Chinese lacquered secrétaire from Canton, comprising three elements: an upper cabinet, a removable travelling casket, and a table base. The entire piece is covered in rich black lacquer with exceptional gilt and red chinoiserie decoration — intricate scenes of figures, landscapes, flowering branches, and scrolling foliage executed with remarkable artistry.

The upper cabinet opens to reveal a fitted interior with drawers, compartments, and pigeonholes. The central removable travelling casket (with its own fitted interior, including a watch compartment and writing surface) sits above the table base with elegant cabriole legs. Every surface — exterior and interior — displays the same high-quality lacquer and gilt work, creating a dazzling, jewel-like effect.

Of elegant proportions and museum-worthy quality, this secretaire represents the pinnacle of 19th-century Canton export furniture made for European and colonial markets.

This magnificent Anglo-Chinese secretaire brings dramatic exotic glamour, intricate craftsmanship, and historical romance to any interior. Perfect as a sophisticated focal point in a drawing room, library, or study.

Ideal for the collector or interior designer seeking a rare and complete example of 19th-century Chinese export lacquer furniture with exceptional decorative impact and functionality.

Measurements: 167 cm (H); 63 cm (W); 61 cm (D). 

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