Lot 633 , A Chinese black lacquered rosewood cabinet, late 19th century, W.3ft 9in. H.7ft D.1ft 5in.

A Chinese black lacquered rosewood cabinet, late 19th century, carved in relief and openwork with dragons to the cresting and uprights, the upper section with open shelves, the back panel carved and pierced with prunus and bamboo above a pair of panelled doors carved in relief with prunus and rockwork, within basket weave borders, above a scrollwork apron and animal paw feet, W.3ft 9in. H.7ft D.1ft 5in.
Estimate £1,500-2,000

Provenance: George Fenwick born in Scotland in 1848, began as a steam boiler engineer and served aboard sailing vessels, many of which were being converted to steam propulsion as his career gathered momentum.
He went ashore at Shanghai, where he established a business making steam - donkey - engines for dockside cranes, installing steam engines in ships, providing maintenance services to ship owners, and eventually building ships. This went so well, he expanded to Hong Kong, where the business also flourished. Apparently, he operated the first floating dry dock in the Orient, and otherwise left his mark on Hong Kong to this day: Fenwick Street and Fenwick Harbour, the latter used as a base by the US Navy post World War II. The cabinet was brought back to Scotland around 1896.
Thence by family descent.

Some slight movement on the joints of the pediment where they have opened up now showing a slight gap particularly on the left hand side, minor areas of some of the fret work missing in places, one of the fret panels at the back has been restored, the central left hand shelf has a split in the corner resulting in it now being slightly loose, there are some areas of fret work missing around a few of the open spaces and there is a small shrinkage split to the right hand cupboard door, overall average condition.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £4,400