A Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

early 18th century

A chinoiserie secretary desk (English, early 18th century) made in the William and Mary style. Comprised of two sections, an upper cabinet, and the lower fold-out desk; the whole is finished in an imitation of Asian lacquer known as “japanning”. The upper half features two arched pediments with urn finials above eight drawers, all enclosed by two doors decorated with cranes and bamboo. Opening into a hinged writing surface, the bottom half consists of ten drawers atop bracket feet, all decorated in matching garden and nature designs.

English

Japanned pine

brass

84" x 38.5"

Bequest of Mr. Harold S. Vanderbilt, 1979.

PSNC.3588a-e