An English tortoiseshell and brass inlaid, rosewood and ebonised composite desk set, early 20th century

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The English taste for inlaid brass and tortoiseshell decoration, based on the technique of the French ébenisté, A.C Boulle (1642-1732), was largely thanks to the Prince Regent's lavish shopping habits and requirements for Carlton House. There are two main categories of English 'Buhl' design in the first half of 19th century, initially, patterns were composed of spaced groups or chains of foliate forms. Later in the 1820's, the designs were more intensely related to the Louis Quatorze manner, derived from Jean Bérain's designs of elaborate arabesques and chinoiseries. A number of cabinet makers promoted themselves as 'Buhl Manufacturer's', such as Town & Emanuel, Thomas Parker of 19 Air Street, Piccadilly and Louis Le Gaigneur of Edgeware Road, both of whom supplied furniture to George IV. The taste for the 'Boulle' style and all things French thus filtered throughout 19th century society. By 1850, the style was associated with china cabinets, commodes and small tables, and as can be seen in the following lots continued into the 20th century.

Details

An English tortoiseshell and brass inlaid, rosewood and ebonised composite desk set, early 20th century
In the style of Boulle, comprising; an inkstand with twin sliding inkwell covers revealing recessed composite liners, with dished pen tray -- 11¾in. (29.8cm.) wide; a blotter -- 5in. (12.7cm.) wide; two frames with arched crestings, both with easle supports -- 8¾in. (22.2cm.) and 4 7/8in. (12.3cm.) high respectively; two boxes, the interiors lined and one partitioned -- 7½in. (19cm.) and 6in. (15.2cm.) wide respectively; and a faux tortoiseshell contre partie inlaid box, interior lined and partitioned -- 10 3/8in. (26.4cm.) wide (7)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

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