Huge EARLY Victorian Papier Mache Ecritoire Lap Desk Circa 1840's

Antiques : Accessories

 

Wonderful early Victorian ecritoire. Lots of mother of pearl inlay and an exquisite painting of Seven Storey Palace Bediapure (India). The mother of pearl integration with this painting lends dimension to an already exceptional work of art. The reflected light off the mother of pearl on the buildings make it clear that it is sunset, and the sun is glowing on these buildings....people are coming in from the fields to eat and rest. Jennens and Bettridge style, at the least; there is no makers mark. The East Indian influence is also strongly felt in the massive amount of mother of pearl inlay surrounding the center painting, and elaborate decoration. It comes with key, original compartment coverings, two with mother of pearl top knops, and ink bottles with silver tops. The writer's slope is covered with red velvet lined with red embroidered silk. Superb! The dimensions: 21" long (yes! that's 21" across! HUGE), 14" wide (from back to front), 6 1/4" tall (or deep), the writer slope fully extends to 19-20". Condition: overall very good. Imperfections: One of the feet has been restored, another has a chip. The key no longer turns the lock. There is a chip on the lacquer of one of the compartment covers. One of the hinges is loose, as frequently occurs with these very old papier mache ecritoires. This is a superb ecritoire, the painting alone a masterpiece!

Item ID: 24