Cabinet
About 1680–1780
Boulle marquetry, with its elaborate patterns in contrasting turtle shell and brass, had been pioneered in Paris in the 17th century but was still highly prized. This cabinet was probably made by re-using the marquetry panels and gilded brass mounts from an older, larger piece of furniture. Its small size suited the intimate scale of late 18th-century rooms.
France (Paris)
Oak, pine and walnut; marquetry in ebonised woods, turtle shell and brass; gilded brass mounts; marble top
Bequeathed by John Jones
[09/12/2015]
[Label text by Peter Thornton]
Cabinet
French; late 17th century with later alterations
Veneered with ebony inlaid with brass, the panels being of tortoiseshell and two kinds of marquetry; gilt-bronze mounts; marble slab
This handsome cabinet was much prized by John Jones who paid £3,500 for it when he acquired it during the second quarter of the last century. It apparently consists of a late 17th century cabinet with fine mounts and boulle-work marquetry, to which alterations and additions were made during the second half of the 18th century and probably again in the 19th century - perhaps by the cabinet-maker whose initials 'L.C.M.E.' are on the back.
Jones Collection
Museum No. 1045-1882 [1980]