Magnificent Early 19th Century Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Bureau Bookcase

Item details

Height

231.0 cm

Width

104.0 cm

Depth

57.0 cm

Wear conditions Wear conditions

Good

Wear conditions

Excellent

Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.

Good

May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.

Average

Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.

Apparent Wear and Tear

Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.

Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.

Description

A superb example of English craftsmanship influenced by the exotic allure of the East, this exceptional bureau bookcase dates to around 1830 and showcases the richly decorative style of chinoiserie at its finest.

The entire piece is adorned in black lacquer, lavishly hand-painted with intricate gilt chinoiserie scenes and delicate floral motifs. These striking designs depict imaginative oriental landscapes, figures, and architectural elements, rendered with remarkable detail and artistic flair. The decoration features unusual raised elements in the paintwork, giving subtle texture and depth to the surface—a testament to the time and skill invested in its creation. Minor wear is evident, consistent with its age, but it does little to detract from its overall splendour.

The upper bookcase is surmounted by a gracefully shaped broken swan neck pediment, crowning a moulded cornice that adds classical elegance. Beneath this, two raised panel doors enclose a well-proportioned interior fitted with two height-adjustable shelves.

The upper section rests upon a base fitted with a beautifully crafted cylinder roll-top bureau. When opened, this reveals a meticulously lacquered interior boasting an array of storage compartments: pigeonholes and three small drawers with gold-edged fronts, flanking a central writing area. The writing surface is adjustable in height and covered in tooled leather, flanked by two further leather-lined, lift-up compartments for additional discreet storage.

Below the bureau are two cupboard doors that provide further enclosed storage, making this piece as functional as it is decorative.

Combining practical design with opulent decoration, this early 19th-century bureau bookcase is a rare and captivating find—equally suited for use in a refined study, drawing room, or as a statement piece in an eclectic interior.

Additional dimensions information:

D with writing surface open 67cm H from floor to underside of writing surface 66.cm Top cabinet interior W 86cm D 25cm H 84cm Lower cabinet interior W 86.5cm D 48cm H 52.5cm Base H 99cm

Material
Other Wood
Manufactured
1800s
Origin
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Item location
detling , United Kingdom
Period
19th Century
Condition
Used

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Delivery is normally within a few days of purchase, but does depend on the delivery area.

Estimated delivery time

Less than one week

Free collection available

Yes

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Professional
Top seller
5.0 / 5
Located in detling, United Kingdom
  • Selling at Vinterior since 2018
  • 195 sales
  • Ships from detling, United Kingdom

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    Cancellations and Returns

    Last updated: 24th March 2025

    We want everybody’s Vinterior experience to be seamless, so both buyers and sellers can fall in love with pre-loved. We designed our Terms of sale to treat everybody fairly.

    However, sometimes things don’t go exactly to plan, and you may need to cancel or return an order.

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