EARLY 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY DUTCH

An extremely similar cabinet-on-stand in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam probably of Dutch origin is illustrated in 'Imitation and Inspiration, Japanese influence on Dutch art from 1650 to the present', exhibition catalogue, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 1991, pp. 71-72, n. 40). With closely related decorative scheme, the same type of vessel on the central door surrounded by flying birds and foliage, and resting on an almost identical stand with part-spirally turned, tapering decorated legs with raised flutes, it is conceivable that both cabinets-on-stand were executed in the same workshop. Very much in favour in various European countries, imitation of Japanese and Chinese lacquer was a substitute to the oriental lacquer, which required Rhus vernificera, the lacquer tree sap, not found in Europe. The Dutch cabinet-makers were quick to follow the style of the newly imported pieces brought back by the Dutch East India Company (founded in 1602). Various oriental influences are combined together making this cabinet an unusual example. The gilt and silvered figures painted on the drawers fronts depict a vague attempt to simulate oriental figures, but have been clearly painted by Europeans. This cabinet retains its original stand, as it remained unmoved from circa 1800, in a Swiss castle.