A very large and impressive Dutch rosewood veneer and carved oak 'rankenkast' ('tendril cabinet') or armoire, dating from the second half of the seventeenth century

About this Item

The door panels are inlaid with large eight-pointed stars, and flanked by three applied carved foliate pilasters (with trailing ribbons, flowers, fruit and acanthus leaves; possibly later). The large overhanging cornice is plain except for an applied central garland. The lower portion comprises a single drawer above massive bun feet. Height 2155 mm; width 1975 mm; depth 780 mm. Minor signs of use and age, but minimal conservation treatment has resulted in a most attractive and imposing item. Its construction is typical of this style of furniture, traditionally a dowry piece; by removing a few pins and wedges, the main body of the cabinet breaks down into flat panels for ease of relocation and transportation. In her 1958 biography of her father, G.D. Delprat, Paquita Mawson records his lengthy trip to England, Europe and America, from February to October 1907. She notes that he 'was always generous in his gifts to us and this time there was quite a lot of furniture, which we still have' ('A Vision of Steel', page 149). Provenance: G.D. Delprat; Sir Douglas and Lady Paquita Mawson; by descent. Seller Inventory # 114986

Bibliographic Details

Title: A very large and impressive Dutch rosewood ...