Object Description
This walnut cabinet has a shaped, stepped top above a central glazed door enclosing four Moroccan leather drawers with cedar linings. Flanked by eight smaller disguised drawers, the ornately carved corner pilasters open to reveal further small drawers. Decorated throughout in walnut, amboyna and kingwood veneers.
The exceptional quality and unusual design of this piece would suggest that it was commissioned from a leading firm of cabinet makers such as Gillows or Holland and Sons by a wealthy patron. Typically cedar linings were used for preserving deeds and important papers, which would further indicate that this cabinet was for a gentleman’s study or library.