Description
This exquisite pair of cabinets exemplifies the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship characteristic of the George IV style, named after the illustrious King George IV. Reflecting his ardent appreciation for history and art, this period style integrates design influences from French artisans and prominently features gilded gold and motifs from Ancient Greece.
The cabinets boast faux marble tops adorned with circular disks that emulate specimen marble tops, with the artist masterfully replicating natural marble veining for a highly realistic appearance. The centerpiece of the tops is a Greek scene depicting four figures in a garden. Both the upper and lower bands of the cabinets are enriched with circular decorations and acanthus leaves, a motif rooted in Ancient Greek culture that symbolizes immortality and resurrection.
Flanking the sides of the cabinets are hand-painted vase-like statues set within cartouches designed to resemble jasperware plaques. Jasperware, renowned for its matte pale blue porcelain, dates back to the late 18th century. The faux plaques feature images of Calliope, the muse of epic poetry and eloquence, often depicted with a lute. A festoon of acanthus leaves cascades from the top of each painted vase, echoing the acanthus leaf embellishments found on the cabinet bodies.
The cabinets are finished with a gleaming black japanning technique, utilizing heavy black lacquer that mimics enamel paint. They rest on elegantly ringed-turned legs with arrow feet. Enhancing their regal elegance, the fronts are fitted with creamy light beige pleated silk doors. The luxurious texture of silk, traditionally associated with royalty, is matched by the vertical pleats that complement the cabinets’ long, outset rounded corners.
No detail was overlooked; even the interiors of the cabinets are masterfully painted to resemble Macassar, showcasing an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. From the gilt gold trim to the precisely hand-painted acanthus leaves adorning the corners, each element reflects impeccable artistry.
These cabinets serve as perfect statement pieces, ideal for use as bedside tables, storage in living areas, or as striking accents lining a hallway.
Each: H=34 in. W=32 in. D=15 in. 30 lbs.
