Chinese Export Gilt Decorated Black and Red Lacquer Cabinet on Stand

The Cabinet Canton Circa 1780. The Stand England Circa 1820

Measurements:  Width 42” (108 cm) Height 73 ½” (187 cm) Depth 21 ¾” (55.5cm)

Cabinet              Width 40 ½” (103cm) Height 40 ½” (103) cm Depth 20” (50.5 cm)

Stand                  Width 42” (108 cm) Height 34” (86 cm) Depth 21 ¾” (55.5 cm)

This magnificent cabinet displays an extravagant ‘Pavilion’ interior consisting of 23 drawers and numerous compartments formed by galleried colonnades. The black and red lacquer ground is decorated with garden pavilions and bridges in watery and rocky landscapes with prunus, bamboo and weeping willow. The sides are similarly decorated but on a larger scale, The English base was sympathetically formed in the Regency oriental taste and has a pierced carved frieze flanked by four tapered legs united by a lower galleried tier, decorated with gilt bamboo shoots and terminating in claw feet.

Provenance Robert Williams 1735-1814 and by descent until 2025

A successful businessman, Robert Williams became a Director of the East India Company and Member of Parliament. He owned a controlling interest in ten East India Company ships so it is reasonable to conclude that he acquired this cabinet in Canton and transported it to England in one of his ships.