A red and gilt lacquered chinoiserie bureau cabinet, possibly Southern Italian or Iberian circa 1730

the upper section with a domed top, with seven baluster turned finials opening to reveal two later shelves, the back decorated with a seascape, each side and the inside of the doors with coats-of-arms within scrolling foliage and flowers, the lower section with a fall-front enclosing a fitted interior with four shaped drawers with scrolled mouldings flanking a cupboard door enclosing a recess and slides, the far right drawer simulating two drawers enclosing a secret drawer above two short and one long drawer on a platform base, the whole decorated with chinoiserie scenes, birds and foliage in black and gilt on a red ground

Colour less orange more red and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age. Some minor retouching to the lacquer, which inside the fall-front has been completely refreshed and some minor losses to the lacquer. The handle of the later supports to the fall-front to the left side is missing but this can easily be replaced. The internal lock plates have been replaced. The moulding on the top of the lower section is a later replacement. The painting and gilding on the urn finials which appear to be later replacements has been refreshed and the finial on the rear right corner is missing. The lacquer generally has been refreshed in parts. The painting internally is charming. Some very minor hairline construction cracks, some of which have been restored in the past. There is a later strip of wood running down the inside of the left door. Later block feet. A charming piece in overall good conserved condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."