A CHINESE EXPORT HUANGHUALI, EBONY AND OAK MINIATURE CABINET/WATCH STAND FOR THE DUTCH MARKET

 

Last quarter 18th century

 

The cabinet in traditional Dutch form with sculpted hood above two doors and drawers and brass fittings, with silver pocket watch.
 

H. 92 x W. 62 x D. 36 cm
 

Note:

The form and proportions of this miniature cabinet are based on a Dutch rococo model popular around the third quarter of the eighteenth century. The top of the beautifully carved gable has been adapted creatively to house a silver pocket watch. The silver case is hallmarked London and dated 1773. The watch itself is engraved “JnWood, Grantham 550”, and the outer case has an attached label reading “G.Morton, Watch & Clockmaker, Dunbar” and is engraved at the back of the case with the initials

“J R”, possibly the owner's initials.
The top drawer of the cabinet has the arrangement to hold an inkpot and writing materials. Behind the doors, there is a

“secret” compartment. Together with the watch stand, this suggests the miniature cabinet was intended to be used

on a gentleman’s writing table.