A PAIR OF CHINESE GILT-METAL MOUNTED AND POLYCHROME SOAPSTONE-INLAID BLACK LACQUER CABINETS-ON-STAND

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THE PROPERTY OF A DESCENDANT OF THE DREWE FAMILY

A PAIR OF CHINESE GILT-METAL MOUNTED AND POLYCHROME SOAPSTONE-INLAID BLACK LACQUER CABINETS-ON-STAND

THE CABINETS SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY, THE STANDS PROBABLY 19TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF CHINESE GILT-METAL MOUNTED AND POLYCHROME SOAPSTONE-INLAID BLACK LACQUER CABINETS-ON-STAND
THE CABINETS SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY, THE STANDS PROBABLY 19TH CENTURY
Each of rectangular shape with the tops, sides and doors of each cabinet decorated with exotic birds amidst rockwork and floral sprays with trees and clouds, the reverse of the doors decorated with dragons within wooden landscapes, enclosing a fitted interior with nine variously-sized drawers decorated with gilt floral and foliate sprays against a black ground, the sides with carrying handles, above ebonised and gilt-decorated stands with plain frieze, shaped brackets and square-sectioned legs, losses to the soapstone inlay and lacquer
The cabinets, each: 24 in. (61 cm.) high; 27½ in. (70 cm.) wide; 17 in. (43.5 cm.) deep; the stands, each: 28¼ in. (71.5 cm.) high (2)

Provenance

Probably acquired by Julius Drewe (1856-1931) while traveling in Asia in the late 19th century purchasing tea for his company.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

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Anne Qaimmaqami

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Lot Essay

Julius Drewe, builder of Castle Drogo, Exeter, and founder of Home and Colonial Stores, had made a fortune first by importing tea and then by founding the Home and Colonial Stores. By 1889, at the age of only 33, Drewe was able to retire and fulfill his dream of moving to the country, acquiring first Culverden near Tunbridge Wells and in 1898 Wadhurst in Sussex, which he bought lock, stock and barrel from the merchant brothers Adrian and Cristobal de Murrieta.

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