What is a George II cellarette?

A George II cellarette is an eighteenth-century wooden container designed specifically for storing and cooling wine bottles in formal dining settings.

What materials were used to construct eighteenth-century cellarettes?

Craftspeople predominantly used hardwoods such as mahogany, satinwood, and rosewood, often featuring decorative kingwood crossbanding, brass handles, and zinc or lead internal linings.

How do you identify an authentic George II cellarette?

Authentic pieces from this period exhibit hand-cut dovetail joinery, original brass hardware with natural oxidisation, period-correct parquetry or marquetry techniques, and historical wear consistent with age.

How can a cellarette be incorporated into a modern interior?

A cellarette functions effectively as an accent storage chest in a dining room, hallway, or study, providing a focal point alongside contemporary furniture.

How should antique satinwood and parquetry furniture be maintained?

Keep the timber away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent drying or fading, and apply a high-quality beeswax paste periodically to preserve the natural finish.

for sale €3,504 $3,804

£2,995

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

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Id #SA1232876

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Rare 18th Century Satinwood & Kingwood Box Cellarette, George II Period

Name: Rare 18th Century Satinwood & Kingwood Box Cellarette, George II Period
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1232876
Price: 2995 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

Description

An Extremely Rare Mid 18th Century Late George II Period Satinwood And Kingwood Box Cellarette, Having Wonderful Geometrically Banded Inlay Decoration Throughout, The Hinged Lid Enclosing Recently Paper Lined Interior, With Old Brass Carrying Handles To Sides And Elegant Canted Corners, Raised On Original Short Square Legs.

Cellarettes were designed specifically for the storage of bottles and decanters and became increasingly fashionable in well appointed English homes during the Georgian period. Whilst later mahogany examples are encountered from time to time, early box form cellarettes of this type are considerably less common, and examples incorporating such extensive decorative veneers are particularly rare.

Dating from the latter part of the George II period, this is an exceptionally attractive example, with the wonderful combination of satinwood and kingwood creating a particularly striking appearance. The extensive geometric banding is beautifully conceived and continues around the front, sides and lid, whilst the canted corners add further elegance to what is otherwise a relatively simple and practical form.

The interior has been recently paper lined, making it clean and perfectly usable for its original purpose should one wish, although today it is equally well suited to use as an unusual side table or occasional table alongside a sofa or armchair. The old brass carrying handles to either side are both practical and decorative and sit particularly well with the warm tones of the veneers.

As one would expect from a piece approaching 300 years of age, there are various old marks, minor imperfections and signs of wear throughout. These are entirely consistent with its age and history and contribute greatly to the character and overall appearance of the piece, which retains a lovely colour and pleasing surface.

As with all items which we offer for sale, this cellarette has been attended to in our workshops and received a sympathetic clean and wax polish, ensuring that it is ready for immediate placement within the home.

Circa 1755.

Height 19in.

Width 20in.

Depth 15.5in.

Physical Dimensions

Height

48cm (18.90")

Width

51cm (20.08")

Depth

40cm (15.75")

Declaration

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd has dated this Georgian Satinwood Wine Cellarette to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1232876

Dealers Internal Reference

9955

Dealers Notes

A Careful Selection Of High Quality Town And Country Furniture For The Home From The 17th, 18th, 19th And Early 20th Centuries.

Members Of BADA, LAPADA & CINOA.

UK Delivery Available At Reasonable Rates.

Worldwide Shipping Arranged.

Description

“

Cellarettes were designed specifically for the storage of bottles and decanters and became increasingly fashionable in well appointed English homes during the Georgian period.

S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

Whilst later mahogany examples are encountered from time to time, early box form cellarettes of this type are considerably less common, and examples incorporating such extensive decorative veneers are particularly rare.

fig 1. An 18th-century George II satinwood and kingwood parquetry box cellarette with brass carrying handles on square legs. — fig 1. Rare 18th Century Satinwood & Kingwood Box Cellarette, George II Period

Dating from the latter part of the George II period, this is an exceptionally attractive example, with the wonderful combination of satinwood and kingwood creating a particularly striking appearance. The extensive geometric banding is beautifully conceived and continues around the front, sides and lid, whilst the canted corners add further elegance to what is otherwise a relatively simple and practical form.

fig 2. An 18th-century George II satinwood and kingwood parquetry box cellarette with brass carrying handles on square legs. — fig 2. Rare 18th Century Satinwood & Kingwood Box Cellarette, George II Period

The interior has been recently paper lined, making it clean and perfectly usable for its original purpose should one wish, although today it is equally well suited to use as an unusual side table or occasional table alongside a sofa or armchair. The old brass carrying handles to either side are both practical and decorative and sit particularly well with the warm tones of the veneers.

fig 3. An 18th-century George II satinwood and kingwood parquetry box cellarette with brass carrying handles on square legs. — fig 3. Rare 18th Century Satinwood & Kingwood Box Cellarette, George II Period

As one would expect from a piece approaching 300 years of age, there are various old marks, minor imperfections and signs of wear throughout. These are entirely consistent with its age and history and contribute greatly to the character and overall appearance of the piece, which retains a lovely colour and pleasing surface.

fig 4. An 18th-century George II satinwood and kingwood parquetry box cellarette with brass carrying handles on square legs. — fig 4. Rare 18th Century Satinwood & Kingwood Box Cellarette, George II Period

As with all items which we offer for sale, this cellarette has been attended to in our workshops and received a sympathetic clean and wax polish, ensuring that it is ready for immediate placement within the home.

Circa 1755.

Height 19in.

Width 20in.

Depth 15.5in.