A FINE REGENCY FIGURED MAHOGANY AND PART EBONIZED CELLARET circa 1810

the paneled top with a reeded edge above a curved molding, above a flat extended edge with reeded molding above inlaid fluting, the tapered sides with figured panels within reeded moldings, the reeded tapered corners headed by ebonized lion's masks and paw feet, the sides with brass lion's head masks with ring handles, the interior lead-lined.

Mallett & Son (Antiques) Ltd., London

Sotheby's, New York, October 11, 1996, lot 405, Property from a Private Collection, Beverly Hills, California

Catalogue, Mallett & Son (Antique) Ltd., London, 1990, p. 38

Of exceptional color and patination overall, with a good variation of the surface color between the flat surfaces and moldings. Usual marks and scratches overall with rubbing and bruising to the moldings. Some wear to the surfaces of the masks and the feet and with small losses. Each veneered side panel slightly bowed and showing lines of construction, and with some age cracks.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The design of this cellaret is a variant of a sarcophagus form wine cistern illustrated by Thomas Sheraton in The Cabinet Dictionary, published in London, 1803, pl. 68. Sheraton notes that 'the sarcophagus, as a piece of furniture, is, in some faint degree, an imitation of the figure of these ancient stone coffins, on which account only the term can with propriety be applied to such cisterns. They are adapted to stand under a sideboard, some of which have covers, and others without.'