Object Description
A fine and rare early 18th century George II scarlet japanned chinoiserie wall hanging corner cupboard. C. 1730-1740.
Attributed to Giles Grendey.
Decorated overall with elaborate Chinoiserie figures and foliage, the moulded cornice above a pair of doors and moulded base, opens to an interior of three shelves. The engraved strap hinges and escutcheon are original.
The chinoiserie decoration of the present piece relates closely to numerous pieces attributed to Giles Grendey and labelled Giles Grendey.
The first is a George II scarlet and gilt-japanned secretaire cabinet, attributed to Giles Grendey. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Accession Number: 2014.186a, b
A George II scarlet and gilt-japanned card table labelled Giles Grendey, circa 1735-1740. Supplied to the Duke of Infantado, Castle of Lazcano near San Sebastian, Spain. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Accession Number: 37.114
A George II scarlet japanned chair labelled Giles Grendey. Supplied to the Duke of Infantado, castle of Lazcano near San Sebastian, Spain. Accession Number: 37.115
And a kneehole desk formerly with Thomas Coulbourn attributed to Giles Grendey. The kneehole was supplied to the Marqueses de Superunda for the Palacio de La Guardia en Álava, and thence by descent.
Giles Grendey was born at Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire in 1693. His workshop was at Aylesbury House, St. John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London and is most famously known to have supplied an order of scarlet japanned furniture to the duke of Infantado for his castle of Lazcano in Spain.
It should be noted that the chinoiserie decoration is in superb original condition and the piece retains its original escutcheon lock and engraved strap hinges.