Fine, rare regency black japanned tole cabinet, most likely Pontypool, with designs attributed to John and Frederick Crace, 1800-1810, rectangular with canted corners, above a frieze simulating two drawers, above a pair of cabinet doors, centered by scrolled corbels, decorated with leaves, the top, doors and sides polychrome painted with chinoiseries of figures engaged in daily pursuits, with pavilions in a landscape, on gilt bun feet. Provenance: Partridge (Fine Arts) Ltd., London, exhibited, Summer Exhibition, 1989CF. Chinoiserie japanned tôle items, such as tea caddies, trays, urns, work boxes and other curiosities, were produced by the Pontypool factory, located in the industrial district of South Wales, as early as the middle of the18th century. However, furniture incorporating Pontypool japanned tôle panels is somewhat rare, as the factory produced mainly the above small decorative objects from the 1750’s through 1810. The offered cabinet, sold Sotheby’s, New York, in 2014, ($ 53,125) possesses affinities with the documented work of John and Frederick Crace, best known for their Chinese inspired interiors commissioned for the Prince Regent’s, Brighton Pavilion, 1800-1805. A nearly identical cabinet, with more elaborate chinoiseries, was supplied to William Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire, sold Sotheby’s, London, ‘Chatsworth: The Attic Sale’, October 5-7, 2010, lot 370 for GBP 127,250; and sold again, Christie’s, London, June 12, 2018, lot 123 for GBP 93,750. [36" H x 36" W x 17" D]. Chips right column; shrinkage to right side molding; right door slightly warped. Left side base molding needs gluing. Left side top has some damage, a 7" scratch to left panel. In good condition as with age. 4" minor crack to right side. Minor restoration to some painted areas, feet probably replaced. In good condition as with age.

Chips right column; shrinkage to right side molding; right door slightly warped. Left side base molding needs gluing. Left side top has some damage, a 7" scratch to left panel. In good condition as with age. 4" minor crack to right side. Minor restoration to some painted areas, feet probably replaced. In good condition as with age.