An Exceptional Lacquer Cabinet on Stand

Object Description

Signed and dated by Henry Dasson

Rising from toupie feet, conjoined by an addorsed swept stretcher, centred with intertwined ormolu dolphins, issuing four fluted brass inset columns of entasis form, capped with ormolu Corinthian capitols.

Flanked by ormolu anthemions, the long drawer in the apron is accessed by a concealed button, and the double doors over, flanked by Corinthian columns, and are opened by another concealed button to reveal an arrangement of seven drawers set about a central door. The arcaded ormolu galleried platform opens to create a hinged writing slope, and reveals a fabric lined interior.

The cabinet utilises contemporary Japanese-made lacquer panels, decorated on the five visible sides with pagodas and flying cranes in mountainous settings, using the extraordinary hira maki-e & taka maki-e techniques (qv).

Object Literature

The techniques of hira makie-e and taka maki-e, (as well as Japanese lacquering) requires an extraordinary level of skill, learnt over years of practise – the former evincing designs, using gold or silver dust, breath-blown onto a wet lacquer ground, and the latter creating designs in low relief.
 
At Dasson’s dispersal sale in 1894, some eighty lots of his works incorporating Japanese & Chinese lacquer panels were auctioned. Japanese lacquer, was only available outside Japan only from the 1860s, since the American Naval Commodore Perry opened trade relations between The West and the Shogun.

Henry Dasson (1825-1896)

Henry Dasson was a celebrated furniture maker of the second half of 19th century who specialised in making ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts. His work was mainly inspired by the art of the period of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI style, adapting them to conform with the needs of the times.

In 1871 he bought the company of Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen at 106, rue Vieille-du-Temple. Dasson exhibited at international exhibitions including Paris in 1878 where he was lauded by Louis Gonse, art critic and Director of the Gazette des Beaux-Arts, for the perfection of his work. Dasson won the Grand Prix Artistique and Légion d’honneur for his work

Object Condition

Excellent condition

Object Details