Important 17th Century Arabesque/seaweed Marquetry Escritoire on Stand

A rare and important 17th Century William & Mary Escritoire On Stand, most likely to have been made by Gerrit Jensen Cabinet Maker and Marquetaire to the King (active 1680-d.1715). Beautifully made with exquisite panels of Arabesque/Seaweed Marquetry of the highest order worked from Holly into a plain groundwork surrounded by beautiful cuts of segmented kingwood Oysters said to be the most expensive wood of the period. It seems no expense was spared on this piece, the large panels to the side reflect this and are surrounded once again with black & white stringing, kingwood oysters and Marquetry cut sand shaded leaf work borders that also feature on the front. The cross grain mouldings to the cornice and waist are also made in Kingwood. The fall front drops on original hinged supports to reveal a striking interior with secret drawers, inside the interior door is a compartment fitted with three drawers with original veneers of burr elm.

The turned and carved twist legs and stretchers replaced in keeping with the period probably in the 19th Century.

Similar examples can be seen in Adam Bowetts wonderful book (Geritt Jensen, Royal Cabinet Maker 1635-1715) , Woodbridge, including pl. 7:12, p. 201. which shows a princeswood or Kingwood example, that also features oyster veneered sections, dated 1690-1710 forms part of the furnishings at Fairfax House, York.

Other examples of this exceptional Marquetry work can be seen in various important collections including the V&A, where there is a William and Mary writing desk with an almost identical marquetry top matching that of the fall front on this example. According to records it seems possible that this desk was made by Gerrit Jensen for Queen Mary along with two others.

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