A PAIR OF CHINESE BLACK LACQUER INLAID TWO DOOR CABINETS SE...

A PAIR OF CHINESE BLACK LACQUER INLAID TWO DOOR CABINETS SECOND HALF OF 19TH CENTURY 八仙祝寿漆柜嵌百宝 清 19世纪 with relief figures including Shou Lao, riding on the back of a crane, holding a peach and staff with attendant, with the eight immortals all with their attributes and Xi Wang Mu astride her phoenix with other identifiable figures in attendance, all in fenced in rocky garden scene, the figures inlaid with soapstone, lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, coloured lacquer, hard stones and faces in bone, all framed by a diaper border of cash floral pattern in gilt with inset mother of pearl and divided by panels of birds on flowering branches repeated on the sides and frieze. The original hinges and lock plate with ornate brass etched lotus design and scrolling foliage. The interiors plain, with hidden compartment in lower level 156.5cm high, 100.5cm wide, 42.5cm deep PROVENANCE: Formerly in the Collection of Mrs. Alice Keppel. These cabinets were included in the sale of her furniture and effects, sold by Messrs. Chancellors and Co. on 5th-7th June 1948, lots 698-699 Alice Fredrica Keppel (1868 – 1947) was an aristocrat, British society hostess and a long-time mistress of King Edward VII. Keppel grew up at Duntreath Castle in Scotland, she was the youngest child of Mary Elizabeth, née Parsons, and Sir William Edmonstone, 4th Baronet. She married an army officer George Keppel in 1861 and together they had two daughters - Alice Keppel became one of the most prominent society hostesses. Her beauty, charm and discretion impressed London society and brought her to the attention of the future King in 1898, when he was still Prince of Wales, Keppel remained his mistress until his death, holding considerable influence over him. Through her younger daughter, Sonia Cubitt, Alice is the great-grandmother of the now Queen Camilla. Ivory certificate reference WXHA2SND

Estimate:$13,395.22

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