M Lees and Sons has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
The reverse of the cabinet retains the original manufacturer's paper label of "Marsh , Jones & Cribb", bearing a hand-written inventory or workshop number 47963 ,and the signature of the cabinet-maker or workman "Nicholson". The panelled back constructed of cedar and mahogany , another sign indicative of the build quality .
The central panelled door with ebonised and parcel-gilt mouldings centred by a large oval blue and white porcelain jasper-ware classically-inspired plaque in the style of Wedgwood , possibly depicting the Roman goddess of Plenty , surrounded with intricate marquetry inlaid decoration. The interior of the enclosed cupboard fitted with a single shelf .

The top friezes , stiles and central panel , all with fine harewood , purpleheart and ebony marquetry inlay . The tops of the central stiles with square leaf carved blocks. The plinth base of stepped form with corresponding ebonised moulding.

The style of the classically-inspired motifs in the manner of the English-born Welsh architect and designer Owen Jones , and as shown and illustrated in his hugely influential book of designs "The Grammar of Ornament" published in 1856. The work illustrated and encouraged the use of classical and multi cultural design motifs and decorative arts in architecture and design.

The cabinet with 'parcel' or partial-gilded and ebonised mouldings throughout , with wear to the gilt commensurate with age and use . The doors fitted with brass locks and escutcheons and supplied with their original key.

The glazed end display cabinets each with a central shelf , the interiors having been re-lined with brushed yellow silk fabric to match and replace the worn original .
The renowned cabinet-making firm of Marsh, Jones and Cribb were known for their quality craftsmanship from Gothic to simple Arts and Crafts designs in the Victorian era. Established in Leeds circa 1850 they later expanded to London .

A high-quality documented cabinet of elegant proportions, in the manner of The Arts & Crafts design movement in excellent original condition with a mellow, honey-coloured patina and colour. The top having minor 'bleeding' of the ebonised line cross-banding to the polish of the pale satin-birch body .
H 37"
W 49"
D 16"
England c.1870
M Lees and Sons has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
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M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA