An imposing sight on the stand of London furniture dealer Godson & Coles, this early 18th century japanned bureau cabinet sold for a six-figure sum at the BADA 2017 fair.
The George I period double domed cabinet is lavishly decorated in scarlet and gilt with scenes of figures, foliage and birds. It stands 7ft 10in (2.4m) high and features two arched mirrored doors and a trio of carved silver gilt finials.
The piece is attributed to John Belchier who traded at ‘The sign of the Sun’ on St Paul’s churchyard from around 1712. He is believed to have supplied a similar piece for John Meller of the country house Erddig in 1720. The other example now belongs, like Erddig, to the National Trust.