English Lacquer Writing Desk with Mother of Pearl Inlay and great provenance
English Lacquer Womens' Writing Desk with Mother of Pearl Inlay 19th century, english womens lacquered writing desk having mother of pearl inlay, polychrome and gilt floral and fruit decoration. Extensive inlay and paint decoration to sides, top and legs. Shaped pediment over one drawer, centered by shelves. A recess for pens, is centered by an embossed leather mounted & black painted metal hinged top box with glass ink bottle insert; and a matching match holder with striking surface. Both have handles to the cover, and are embossed Ink and Light, respectively. The front of each also embossed Berry's Patent & London. The hinged panel, which is nicely embellished with the center medallion depicting floral and grapes, opens to a storage area. The painted and shell-inlay floral motif is nicely carried throughout the piece. An elegant writing desk, or entry hall piece.

Provenance : American Artist, Hunt Slonem's Cordt's Mansion Home in Kingston, NY, the 1874 originally the home of the John H. & Elizabeth Cordts family for more than 100 years. Born in germany, the family arrived in the united states in the late 1830's, settled in kingston in the 1850's, and was well established as a brick maker and local business leader by the time the homes construction was completed in 1874. Hunt Slonem, noted artist, purchased the property in 2001, both restoring and expanding upon the interior and collection.
38 3/4" high x 26 1/2" wide x 23 1/4" deep (at feet)

Wear commensurate with age and use. No noticeable losses to shell inlay. There are several old repairs to feet. Please refer to photos.