Cedar chiffonier c1845

Unlike so many chiffoniers of its period, this is an imposing piece of furniture, incorporating decorative elements from a number of recognised styles.

The chiffonier is basically neo-classical in form, with Roman columns and pylon-shaped door panels. The backboard’s opposed soft-carved scrolls (often called “Thomas Hope scrolls” after the great furniture designer of the early Regency period) are also a common neo-classical feature; as are the paterae on the drawer ends, featuring rosettes and bellflowers.

But the chiffonier also demonstrates gothic and rococo influences. The pylon door panels terminate in elegantly-curved, ogee arches with acorn finials. Ogee arches were typical of decorative gothic buildings in the 15th and 16th centuries, as also of Islamic architecture from the earliest times. A major revival of interest in gothic forms early in the nineteenth century, most notably through the work of Pugin, had a significant influence on furniture as well as architecture.

The extraordinary carving on the backboard is influenced by the rococo revival which influenced furniture design during much of Queen Victoria’s reign. Foliate carving of a somewhat similar type appears on some Regency chairs – notably on the “ears” of top rails - but not in such profusion. The foliate work on this item extends beyond the limits of the scrolls themselves, and overwhelms the basic structure. The sprouting of leaves from the centre of each of the end scrolls is a delightful rococo conceit.

When purchased, the chiffonier required replacement of some of the cross-banding - on the shelf, in particular. The missing lock has been replaced with one true to period; and the damage which had been done by adding a handle to the right hand door has been repaired. The piece has been fully conserved; and has been cleaned and waxed, preserving its original finish. It exhibits knocks and dents that reflect its age; there is some discolouration on the drawer veneer above and below the “roll”; and the shelf retains a circular scorch mark that could only be removed by compromising the shelf’s original finish.

Dimensions: 1200 w x 1550 h x 550 d
POA