Object Description
This is a superb antique demi lune Art Deco cocktail cabinet, circa 1930 in date by Harry & Lou Epstein of London.
The cabinet is made of beautiful king wood with burr walnut panels and satin wood stringing. The burr walnut panels with stunning floral marquetry decoration.
The top doors opening to a mirrored shelf fitted with a mirrored drinks slide, above two drawers with ormolu handles and a further cupboard with central shelf. The cabinet is raised on slight cabriole legs,
It is complete with working locks and key.
There is no mistaking the timeless appeal of this highly collectable item. This cocktail bar would be a wonderful addition to your lounge or family room and is sure to get noticed wherever it is placed.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 150 cm x Width 94 cm x Depth 47 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 4 foot, 11 inches x Width 3 feet, 1 inch x Depth 1 foot, 6 inches
Epstein furniture
was originally founded in East London by Polish immigrants in the 1890s. The firm passed to brothers Harry and Lou Epstein and the pair turned their attention to the production of Art Deco forms from the 1930s until the 1950s.
Finished to high standards, most pieces were custom-made in veneers of burr maple, sycamore or walnut. The design of the famous ‘cloud’ seat furniture is credited to Epstein and the company also popularized the uniquely British taste in suite furniture.
Following World War II, Epstein had showrooms in London, Manchester and Glasgow. A conservative Art Deco style became the company`s trademark after the war and most pieces were made from bleached walnut. Art Deco pieces are not signed.
From the 1960s, some pieces were labelled ‘H. & L. Epstein’ or ‘Epstein & Goldman’.
Figured Walnut and Burr Walnut (often referred to as Burl Walnut) were considered as the most attractive varieties of Walnut. Burr Walnut veneer was taken from the specific part of the tree where ‘growths’ sprouting smaller branches and/ or roots would occur. As these ‘growth’ areas were limited in both occurrence and size, larger veneers were hard to source and often on bigger furniture (tables, desks, bureaus, cabinets etc), these veneers would have to be carefully joined by matching up the pieces or blending them together.
Art Deco or Deco,
is an influential visual arts design style which first appeared in France during the 1920s, flourished internationally during the 30s and 40s.
It is an eclectic style that combines traditional craft motifs with Machine Ageimagery and materials. The style is often characterized by rich colours, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation.
Deco emerged from the Interwar period when rapid industrialization was transforming culture. One of its major attributes is an embrace of technology. This distinguishes Deco from the organic motifs favored by its predecessor Art Nouveau.
Historian Bevis Hillier defined Art Deco as “an assertively modern style…[that] ran to symmetry rather than asymmetry, and to the rectilinear rather than the curvilinear; it responded to the demands of the machine and of new material…[and] the requirements of mass production”.
During its heyday Art Deco represented luxury, glamour, exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress.
Our reference: A5191