Pair of Victorian porcelain, ormolu and marble mounted secretaires

£120,000

Combining elegant French design with top English construction, this pair features Sèvres-style porcelain plaques, a leather-lined writing surface, and much more.

 

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Description

Crafted in Victorian England, this stunning pair of secretaires is adorned with a plethora of features, all crafted from various high quality materials.

Each piece is surmounted with a Sienna marble slab superbly finished with a simple, yet refined edge design. This is placed above ornate ormolu friezes cast in the egg and dart motif as well as a repetitive scrolling pattern. Below is a central fall-front lockable door. The ebonised wood is mounted with Sèvres-style porcelain plaques, the famous bleu céleste shade predominating. The two rectangular panels are hand-painted with polychrome ribbon-tied fruit bunches framed by intricate gilded motifs. Above and below each porcelain plaque are swirling foliate ormolu mounts. The central panel features an elegant ormolu escutcheon above two shaped porcelain plaques. The circular one is filled with charming Rococo-style depictions of courting couples, and the one below with a sweet cherub.

Once the secretaires are opened, they reveal a spacious storage and leather-lined writing surface. The interior includes four smaller drawers, one larger, and a shelf above. The drawers are adorned with delicate ormolu handles, their gold colouring complementing the light-coloured wood.

Similar ormolu and porcelain decoration is mounted on the apron, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design. The apron is set with a spacious, push-button drawer providing more storage for one’s precious belongings.

Dividing the front from the sides are two prominent ormolu columns cast to depict female figures holding urns. Porcelain plaques are also mounted on the sides of the antiques, brass inlay bands wonderfully framing the complex paintings.

The pieces stand on four refined legs, each with ormolu and brass detailing. The mirrored backsplash reflects the beautiful construction of the piece, including the ebonised wood and brass inlay undertier.

Showcasing exceptional English cabinetmaking skills, this pair of secretaires would look stunning in the appropriate interior, for example in a shared home office space.

Details

Country of Origin
English
Date of Manufacture
Late 19th Century
Period
Late 19th Century
Style
Neoclassical, Victorian
Material
Brass, Ebonised Wood, Marble, Ormolu (Gilt Bronze), Porcelain
Colour
Black, Blue, Gold, Multi-coloured

Dimensions

Height
126 cm / 49.6 inches
Width
77 cm / 30.3 inches
Depth
37 cm / 14.6 inches

Reference:
17821

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