French-Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Cabinet, Circa 1900
You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item
When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.
- Calamander / Coromandel - Calamander wood, also known as coromandel wood or coromandel ebony, is a type of hardwood that comes from the Calamander tree (Diospyros quaesita), which is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia. The wood is known for its dark brown or black colour and its distinctive figuring, which can resemble a snakeskin pattern.
The wood is highly prized for its beauty and durability. It is often used in fine furniture making, particularly in the production of inlaid and marquetry work, as well as in the making of boxes, cabinets, and other decorative items. It is also used in the manufacture of flooring, paneling and other architectural applications.
Calamander wood is a very hard and heavy wood, it has a density of around 1.04 g/cm3. Its density and high natural oil content make it resistant to decay and insects, which is why it is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, flooring and other decorative items.
The wood is also used for turning and carving, but is difficult to work due to its high density and interlocking grain. However, it takes a high natural polish and has a beautiful lustre, which is why it is so sought after.
Due to the high demand and over-exploitation of the natural resources, the calamander tree is now a protected species, and the harvesting and export of the wood is heavily regulated. - Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
- Panels - Timber pieces, usually of well-figured wood either recessed or applied over the frames of doors and as decoration elsewhere in the carcase of cabinet furniture. The panels may take a variety of shapes rectangular, square, shield shape, oval, half-round or in the form of Egyptian pylons.
This item has been included into following indexes:
Visually similar items
A tall black lacquer cabinet, the door panels picked out in red and carving highlighted in gilt, 19th century, original metal hinges and door clasp, a shelf and two internal drawers, raised on low scroll feet with carved apron below the external drawers. C
Antique Japanese carved wood and lacquer two fold screen, mounted with shibayama work of birds on blossoming branches, each panel approx 187 cm high, 80 cm wide
A Chinese red lacquer cabinet, late 19th - early 20th century, with gilt decoration depicting a children play in a garden scene, 180.5 cm high, 108.8 cm wide, 70.5 cm deep
A oriental painted wooden cabinet with six decorative panels, 123 cm wide, 58 cm deep, 127 cm high