Overview
A particularly elegant antique Chippendale style mahogany display cabinet by Johnson & Appleyards Ltd of Sheffield and Rotherham, dating from circa 1900 and retaining the firm's original maker's label to the inside of the glazed door.
Beautifully proportioned and richly detailed, the cabinet combines fine mahogany cabinetmaking with decorative geometric astragal glazing, carved ornament and classic Chippendale-inspired cabriole legs terminating in claw-and-ball feet.
Key Features
- Antique mahogany display cabinet dating from circa 1900
- Made by Johnson & Appleyards Ltd of Sheffield and Rotherham
- Retains the original maker's label
- Chippendale style / Chippendale Revival design
- Pair of large glazed display doors
- Distinctive geometric astragal glazing
- Glazed side panels for additional display visibility
- Finely pierced and carved fretwork frieze
- Two internal display shelves
- Period velvet-lined interior
- Two lower drawers with decorative carved detailing
- Ornate brass drawer handles
- Carved shaped apron with foliate decoration
- Elegant cabriole legs
- Carved claw-and-ball feet
- Ideal for displaying porcelain, glass, silver and objets d'art
Craftsmanship & Detail
The cabinet has a beautifully balanced architectural form, with a moulded projecting cornice positioned above an intricately pierced fretwork frieze. Slender turned and moulded uprights frame the glazed cabinet doors and contribute to its refined late Victorian and Edwardian character.
The two large doors feature particularly attractive geometric astragal glazing, arranged around octagonal central panels. Combined with the glazed sides, this creates excellent visibility through the cabinet and makes it particularly effective for displaying porcelain, glass, silver, ceramics or a private collection.
The interior retains its atmospheric period velvet lining and is arranged with two substantial display shelves. The aged surface of the velvet provides considerable period character and forms an attractive backdrop against displayed objects.
Beneath the glazed section are two useful drawers, each decorated with applied carved motifs and fitted with ornate brass handles. The cabinet is supported by a gracefully shaped and carved apron leading into four slender cabriole legs, enriched at the knees with carved foliate ornament and terminating in finely executed claw-and-ball feet.
Of particular importance is the surviving manufacturer's label reading “Johnson & Appleyards Ltd, Sheffield and Rotherham”. The identifiable maker adds an important element of provenance and distinguishes the cabinet from the many unsigned examples of Chippendale Revival furniture produced around the turn of the twentieth century.
An impressive combination of quality cabinetmaking, decorative glazing, period character and documented manufacture, this is a highly decorative antique display cabinet equally suited to a traditional interior or as a statement piece within a more contemporary setting.
