The early 18th century Japanese lacquered and brass-bound cabinet was gilt-decorated to the exterior with clouds, birds, flowers, rabbits and two cockerels. Its two hinged doors enclosed an arrangement of seven drawers.
The silvered wood and gesso stand, which may have been from the Charles II era, was carved in high relief to the central apron with cherubs and moulded to the cabriole legs with flowerheads and scrolls.
There was a question of whether it should be entered into an Asian sale. In the event, it was offered at the May 17 furniture auction at the Washington rooms.
Some years ago, it had failed to get away (the warping to the doors would need professional restoration, said auctioneer Will Rowsell) but given a more appealing estimate of £1500-2500 this time around it found more interest. Two private bidders took it way beyond estimate. The cabinet and stand finally went at £11,500 to an active local collector with an interest in both early English furniture and Oriental works of art.
