A group of three Regency revival parcel-gilt black japanned vitrine tables

each hinged glazed top above a conforming case fitted with a velvet lined interior and raised on a semi-circular support on an elephant-form standard raised on a stepped plinth on cabriole legs.

Edward James, Monkton House, Chichester

Christie's London, June 2 1986, The Edward James Collection, West Dean Park, Chichester, West Sussex, lot 304-305

Overall good condition with some minor chips and losses to paint at extremities; some minor losses to gilding.
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 present tables were sold from the collection of Edward James and were originally part of the furnishings at Monkton House, a retreat that was built on the grounds of West Dean Park by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1902.  James moved to Monkton in 1933 after the failure of his marriage to Tilly Losch that year.  He hired the interior design firm of Norris Wakefield to create a whimsical and eccentric interior, combining Regency and Victorian decorations with exuberant colors and forms.

For a discussion on Monkton, see Clive Aslet in Country Life, September 12, 1985.