Edwardian Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Kidney Dressing Table C.1900

A striking late nineteenth to early twentieth-century red lacquer Chinoiserie kidney-shaped dressing table, dating to around 1900 and constructed principally in oak beneath the decorated finish. The shaped top is decorated with an extensive Chinoiserie landscape incorporating figures, boats, buildings, trees and waterside scenes, enclosed by contrasting black and gilt borders. The decoration continues across the drawer fronts, sides, legs and, unusually, the rear of the table, allowing the piece to be used either against a wall or freestanding within a room. The front is arranged with two frieze drawers above a further drawer to either side of the kneehole, all fitted with decorative brass ring handles. The drawer fronts are particularly attractive, combining painted and gilt decoration with raised relief details depicting figures, foliage, birds and other motifs.

Carved and gilt scroll brackets flank the kneehole, while the shaped apron and elegant cabriole legs continue the decorative treatment. The drawers are traditionally constructed with dovetailed oak sides, and the table appears to be constructed principally in oak beneath the lacquered finish. A highly decorative piece of useful proportions, equally suitable as a dressing table, writing desk or occasional desk. The richly decorated red ground, kidney-shaped form and decoration extending around the entire piece give it considerable presence while retaining a practical scale.

DIMENSIONS

Height: 77 cm

Width: 122 cm

Depth: 72 cm

CONDITION

The table is in good, solid antique condition and remains sturdy and fully usable. There are marks, knocks, scratches, rubbing and losses to the lacquered and painted decoration throughout, consistent with age and use. There is fading to areas of the finish, particularly towards the rear of the top and the left-hand side, together with more significant fading and losses to the decorative finish on the rear, consistent with prolonged light exposure. The decoration to the front and sides remains particularly attractive and retains good colour and detail overall. The drawers run smoothly. There are various minor age-related losses and areas of wear to the painted and gilt decoration, all of which are visible in the photographs. These have been left as found rather than heavily restored and contribute to the established appearance of the piece. Overall, it presents very well, retaining considerable decorative character despite the expected wear associated with its age.

As an antique or vintage piece, signs of age and use should be expected and are part of its character. The photographs form an important part of the description and should be viewed alongside the written condition report. If you would like further information or additional photographs, we are always happy to help before purchase. If any dimensions are critical, please check these with us before purchasing.

AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

We strive to describe every item as accurately and honestly as possible. Statements regarding age, attribution, origin and provenance are offered in good faith and represent our professional opinion based on the information available at the time of listing. As all of our items are antique or vintage, signs of age and use should be expected. Old repairs, knocks, wear, variations in colour and other minor imperfections are often part of a piece’s history and character. Where condition affects its integrity, appearance or usefulness, we will endeavour to make this clear in the description.