Object Description
A rare South German 18th century walnut bureau-cabinet on stand of exceptional quality with pewter inlaid decoration in the manner of Jacob Arend.
These types of writing cabinet were made for wealthy and educated individuals of the time needing a secure place to keep their papers and treasured items.
They were known as a ‘Trisur’ meaning ‘treasure’and in the South Germany region they were decorated with boulle marquetry in both woods as well as metal as can be seen on this piece.
This wonderful item recently purchased from a private collection consists of three sections starting with a scroll shaped top with a small central drawer inlaid with pewter decoration with further inlaid pewter designs to either side.
This leads down to a superb quality pewter and brass inlaid and shaped door containing a central inlaid panel with three drawers to each side of this, again with pewter inlaid decoration.
The panel comprises of an intricately inlaid design of pewter, brass and stained shell, the centre depicts a temple with Baroque twist columns with cherubs, one swinging on rosary beads with a small dog underneath. This panel also consists of angels and inlaid decoration of scrolling shapes and foliage which all creates a superb focal point.
Inside the door an arched and recessed section is found with a mirrored back which conceals eight pine and pine lined secret drawers. On the inside panel of the door there is a mirrored pewter inlaid design surrounded by a burr walnut and ebony banding.
Underneath the panel is a further long, deep drawer but designed to have the appearance of three drawers, the three sections having the same pewter inlaid decoration.
The mid section has a ‘bombe’ shape appearance with a central fall profusely inlaid with a central circular geometric design panel and sophisticated pewter decoration either side, all being surrounded by pewter and walnut banding.
The interior of the fall encloses a long drawer, moulded with two panels of pewter inlay and stained shell to possibly give the appearance of lapis lazuli.
To each side of the fall are shaped panels with geometric patterns of pewter and exotic woods, each having a long drawer, again with an inlaid pewter design.
The base is of shaped form with a central and shaped large drawer with three sections of pewter and walnut inlaid decoration.
The legs are all of cabriole shape with moulded & ebonised edges each terminating with a scroll toe.
Each of the three sections have side panels elaborately inlaid with walnut and ebony geometric designs supported with cross grain walnut banding.
This bureau cabinet has similarities to cabinets made by the superb cabinetmaker, Jacob Arend (1688-1744) who worked in Mainz & Wurzburg, Germany in the 18th century. The Victoria & Albert Museum in London houses one of his cabinets.
This cabinet is in very good, original condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home.