A Scottish early Victorian carved hardwood display cabinet-on-stand, mid-19th century, attributed to John Taylor & Sons of Edinburgh

elaborately carved, the upper section with a pair of doors enclosing two adjustable shelves above two short drawers, the serpentine base with two short drawers, on cabriole legs and with a shaped stretcher

A boldly carved piece overall in reasonable restored condition. The glazed doors and adjustable shelves are a bit sticky due to movement of the timbers. There are minor chips and loses to the carved detail commensurate with age and use. The right side of the cabinet and stand is faded and a stained wash has been applied to the upper section. The upper section is not fixed to the stand though there is evidence of fixing points to the top of the stand. Overall with minor old marks and scratches, notably to the top of the stand where the cabinet has moved, consistent with age and use. Please note this piece is made from an exotic hardwood and not walnut as stated in the printed catalogue.
"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."

A related display cabinet, executed by John Taylor & Sons to a design by architect and designer C. J. Richardson, was sold Sotheby's, Colstoun, 21 May 1990, lot 180 and provides the basis for this attribution. It is likely the present cabinet formed part of a larger commission intended for Dalhousie Castle, which had been enlarged earlier in the 19th century. Interestingly, the treatment of the carving evokes the aesthetic of Anglo-Indian pieces in Lord Dalhousie's collection, and it is plausible that Taylor & Sons took inspiration from them. Richardson would also have been familiar with Anglo-Indian furniture and decorative arts, having shown designs in the 1851 Exhibition, though his submissions where in the Elizabethan revival style.