Lot Essay
The Dutch were probably the first to imitate the highly-prized Japanese and Chinese lacquerwork, which had been imported by the Dutch and English East India Companies from the early 17th century. The first succesful imitations were already carried out in 1610 in Amsterdam by a certain Willem Kick. Dutch lacquerwork inlaid with mother-of-pearl probably became fashionable around 1700 and was derived from Japanese examples. The manufacture of Dutch lacquerwares flourished again in the 19th century, and these were much admired at the Industrial Exhibitions which were so popular during the 19th century. One of the most celebrated 19th century lacquerers was Lodewijk Nooijen, who was based in Rotterdam from 1858 and specialised in inlays of mother-of-pearl. The speckled decoration within the cartouches of this pole-screen is very similar to the decoration on a fire screen by Nooijen, previously in the collection of Willem van Rede and his wife Wilhelmina Boogaard on the Schiekade 13 in Rotterdam. (R.J.Baarsen, et.al., De Lelijke Tijd, Pronkstukken van Nederlandse interieurkunst 1835-1895, Amsterdam, 1995, p.184)