£3,650.00
A particularly fine English Regency rosewood glazed bookcase cabinet, dating to the early 19th century, beautifully proportioned and richly embellished with intricate brass inlay, finely detailed gilt-brass mounts and an elegant raised brass gallery.
A particularly fine English Regency rosewood glazed bookcase cabinet, dating to the early 19th century, beautifully proportioned and richly embellished with intricate brass inlay, finely detailed gilt-brass mounts and an elegant raised brass gallery.
Displaying the refined craftsmanship and classical architectural influences characteristic of the Regency period, this handsome cabinet combines richly figured rosewood, delicate decorative metalwork and exceptionally well-considered construction.
The cabinet is particularly distinguished by its beautifully executed brass-inlaid ornament, including scrolling foliate designs, floral rosettes, classical leaf motifs and delicate linear detailing, all contrasting wonderfully against the deep reddish-brown tones of the polished rosewood.
Its elegant proportions, generous glazed doors and richly detailed architectural elements make it a highly decorative and practical piece of early 19th-century English cabinet furniture.
Constructed in rosewood, the cabinet displays a rich, warm colour with attractive variations in grain and tone developed through generations of use.
The two glazed doors are framed in beautifully polished rosewood and extensively decorated with fine brass inlay.
Particularly striking are the elaborate foliate designs occupying the upper and lower corners of the door frames, incorporating scrolling acanthus leaves, floral rosettes, delicate tendrils and classical ornamental motifs.
Fine brass stringing follows the architectural lines of the doors, while smaller decorative inlaid elements are positioned at intervals along the vertical and horizontal rails.
The quality and intricacy of this decorative work are particularly appealing, lending the cabinet a refined appearance without overwhelming its elegant proportions.
The cabinet is surmounted by a beautifully proportioned brass gallery, comprising a continuous arrangement of finely turned spindle balusters.
The gallery follows the rectangular outline of the cabinet's upper surface, with gently shaped corner sections and an attractive aged brass finish.
Beneath the gallery, the moulded upper cornice incorporates a broad rosewood frieze, displaying a rich natural grain and subtle decorative detailing.
The glazed doors are flanked and divided by slender rounded uprights, embellished with finely modelled gilt-brass capitals and bases.
These decorative mounts feature classical leaf ornament, adding architectural definition and beautifully complementing the surrounding brass inlay.
The cabinet stands upon a substantial moulded plinth base, with rounded projecting corner details that provide a pleasing sense of balance and solidity.
The cabinet is fitted with two large glazed doors, providing an excellent view of the interior and its contents.
Each door is supported by three substantial brass hinges, reflecting the attention given to the cabinet's construction and long-term functionality.
The doors incorporate a quality fitted lock and brass fittings, with a key and decorative tassel accompanying the cabinet.
The substantial hinge arrangement and carefully fitted door frames are particularly noteworthy details, demonstrating the practical craftsmanship behind this elegant piece of furniture.
Internally, the cabinet is fitted with two adjustable timber shelves, each finished with contrasting ebony edging.
The shelves can be repositioned to suit individual display or storage requirements, providing considerable flexibility for books, ceramics, sculpture and other decorative collections.
The warm, polished timber interior provides a particularly attractive contrast to the darker rosewood exterior.
With three generous display levels, the cabinet offers excellent storage and presentation space while retaining relatively restrained and elegant proportions.
The ebony-edged shelves are an especially pleasing detail, providing a subtle decorative finish and demonstrating the attention given to even the more functional elements of the cabinet.
The Regency period was one of the most sophisticated and influential periods in English furniture design.
During the early decades of the 19th century, cabinetmakers increasingly favoured richly figured exotic timbers, particularly rosewood, combined with finely executed brass inlay, classical architectural ornament and elegant geometric forms.
The influence of ancient Greek and Roman design was particularly evident in the use of scrolling acanthus leaves, stylised floral motifs, columnar detailing and restrained architectural proportions.
Brass galleries were also a fashionable feature of Regency furniture, appearing on bookcases, cabinets, sideboards and other sophisticated pieces intended for fashionable interiors.
This cabinet beautifully reflects these traditions, combining the richness of rosewood with the precision of brass-inlaid decoration and the practical elegance of glazed display furniture.
The cabinet is presented in very good antique condition, retaining the attractive character and patina associated with its age.
There are signs of historic use and natural surface wear consistent with an early 19th-century piece, but no known damage.
The rosewood retains its rich colour and attractive polished appearance, while the brass inlay, decorative mounts and upper gallery provide a beautiful contrast.
Internally, the two ebony-edged shelves are adjustable, allowing the interior arrangement to be adapted to individual requirements.
No maker's mark has been identified.
This particularly elegant cabinet would make a wonderful addition to a country house library, drawing room, study or carefully curated contemporary interior.
Its glazed doors make it ideal for displaying collections of antique books, porcelain, ceramics, sculpture or decorative objects, while the adjustable shelving offers welcome flexibility.
The combination of richly coloured rosewood, intricate brass inlay and classical Regency detailing creates a piece of furniture with considerable decorative presence.
An attractive and versatile example of English Regency cabinetmaking, combining traditional craftsmanship, sophisticated ornament and practical display storage.
UK delivery and international shipping can be arranged. Please contact us for a quotation and further information.
Height: 135 cm / 53.15 inches
Width: 114 cm / 44.88 inches
Depth: 45 cm / 17.72 inches
Weight: TBC kg / TBC lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
