A FINE GEORGE II IRISH RED WALNUT AND MARQUETRY SECRETAIRE CABINET, C.1730/40, the top section with scrolled broken pediment inlaid with filigree marquetry and Comedia dell'Arte figures centred by...

A FINE GEORGE II IRISH RED WALNUT AND MARQUETRY SECRETAIRE CABINET, C.1730/40, the top section with scrolled broken pediment inlaid with filigree marquetry and Comedia dell'Arte figures centred by a grotesque mask, above twin shaped panelled doors over single long drawer, flanked by brackets with conforming marquetry decoration, the bottom section having a pull-out desk, the top rising to a slope supported by a rachet, with candle holders to each side, the frieze with central brass drop handle and lockplate above a shaped apron with central carved shell, each corner of the frieze carved with scallop shell incorporated into demi-fluted broken cabriole legs, terminating in scrolled Spanish feet.  195cm high, 102cm wide, 74cm deep

A similar example of this cabinet is detailed in 'Irish Furniture', by The Knight of Glin and James Peill, p.52, figs 48 & 49

Whilst the existence of a workshop in the early 18th Century producing walnut furniture with distinctive marquetry inlay was first noticed by R.W. Symounts who posited that it was Irish, it was the Knight of Glin who proved and elaborated the fact.
In a pioneering article, 'The Marquetry Decoration of Early 18th Century Irish Furniture (Irish Art Review, Vol 13, 1997) he reviews extant examples which evolved into the sophisticated "Florence Court" cabinet. He was ecstatic when this was discovered and very satisfied that it went to Florence Court, that quintessential Irish house. His reaction can only be imagined to the amazing emergence of the present lot which, from the marquetry frieze, the pedestal base, with its carved shells, broken cabriole legs and 'Spanish' feet exactly mirrors the Florence Court cabinet.
A further most interesting point in the present lot is that the rosettes on the swan-neck pediment match those on the Cornbury Park cabinet (illus. no 3 in above article) further tying together this whole group of uniquely Irish Furniture.

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