An Important 19th Century Satinwood Veneered Open Fronted Breakfront Bookcase

The broken arch pediment centred by a gilded and carved urn; below are adjustable shelves between pilasters which are inlaid with harebells in harewood and decorated with superbly cast ormolu lion mask mounts to the top and acanthus mounts to the bottom; the base with further adjustable shelves to the centre and panelled cupboard doors to either side which are ormolu mounted and inlaid with anthemions in harewood; raised on a plinth base. The bookcase is of excellent quality throughout.

Provenance

The quality of the bookcase's ormolu mounts and harewood inlays suggests it was executed by one of the leading firms of 19th Century cabinet-makers for a discerning client. The most likely attribution is to the London firm of Holland and Sons and documented pieces by the firm have similar high quality harewood inlays and beautifully cast ormolu mounts. Holland and Sons were founded in 1803 and during the 19th Century were commissioned by the Royal Family to decorate many of their palaces including Windsor Castle and Sandringham. They also exhibited at the International Exhibition of 1855.