Chest of Drawers on Stand thumbnail 1
Chest of Drawers on Stand thumbnail 2
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Not currently on display at the V&A

Chest of Drawers on Stand

1680-1730 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Chest of drawers on stand. The low stand, supported on pear-shaped feet, contains a shallow drawer in the centre and a deep drawer on each side. The chest contains three long drawers below and three small drawers side by side above. In the frieze a drawer with a convex moulding. The whole surface japanned in black and gold. The sides ornamented with flowers, the drawer fronts with figures, birds, flowers and landscapes in imitation of Chinese styles. The drawers fitted with loop handles and key esutcheons of engraved brass.

The stand possibly cut down.


Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 12 parts.

  • Chest
  • Stand
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
  • Drawer
Materials and techniques
Japanning in black and gold in chinoiserie style; loop handles and key esutcheons of engraved brass
Brief description
Japanned chest of drawers, English, late 17th century
Physical description
Chest of drawers on stand. The low stand, supported on pear-shaped feet, contains a shallow drawer in the centre and a deep drawer on each side. The chest contains three long drawers below and three small drawers side by side above. In the frieze a drawer with a convex moulding. The whole surface japanned in black and gold. The sides ornamented with flowers, the drawer fronts with figures, birds, flowers and landscapes in imitation of Chinese styles. The drawers fitted with loop handles and key esutcheons of engraved brass.

The stand possibly cut down.
Dimensions
  • Chest on base height: 135.5cm
  • Base width: 106cm
  • Base depth: 56cm
Style
Object history
Chest of drawers on stand, from Mrs M R Franks, Lansdown House, Weston, Bath
Notes from RP 50-2846

Letter, Mrs Franks to the V & A
Asserts that the chest, which she describes as a 'Chinese laquer cabinet' "was brought to England by Bishop Burnet with various other pieces of laquer which are in my possession. A daughter of Bishop Burnet's married into the Williams family, and it is through this branch of this family that these articles have descended to me, as they have been in the possession of the Williams and (Ackburn?) families since the Bishop died".

Since the chest has been determined by the V & A to be English this is clearly suspect.

Notes from R.P. 2846

12/1/51 Gift form
lists as "Chest of drawers - English late 17th century"

29/9/50 letter to the Director from Mrs Franks
offers "a chinese lacquer cabinet….this piece was brought to England by Bishop Burnet…a daughter at Bishop Barnets married into the Williams family, it is through this branch…that these articles have descended to me, as they have been in the possession of the Williams and (Acklom?) families since the Bishop dies…the cabinet…is in its original condition with its original handles, keyholes etc. I had it carefully cleaned….five years ago….otherwise it has never been touched".
W.S. notes on the letter that it must be English.

27/11/50 WJW examined the chest
reports "It is a chest of drawers on a low stand, japanned in gold and colours on a black ground. English; about 1700. It is quite an attractive piece of furniture, but not of very high quality; and the japanned decoration is somewhat worn and faded." (includes a rough sketch).

The gift is accepted and the option of lending out is agreed to by Mrs Franks.
Collection
Accession number
W.2:12-1951

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Record createdSeptember 24, 2008
Record URL
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