The 1795 inventory lists these '2 India Cabinets' in the State Bedroom. The cabinets are mounted on stands, made by Chippendale, which are japanned black and gold in imitation of the Oriental lacquer work. Although the bill for the two stands does not survive they can be attributed to Chippendale on stylistic grounds. It is probable that Edwin Lascelles obtained the lacquer cabinets from merchants importing such pieces through the East India Company and commissioned Chippendale to make the stands for them. They are each decorated with Oriental scenes with galleried ledges on the inside, probably intended for displaying Oriental porcelain, and small drawers bearing Oriental inscriptions.
Lacquer ware was extremely difficult to obtain in the 18th century, which was imported from the East. The English East India Company only purchased tea, silk and porcelain, but allowed it's employees to trade privately and it was from this trading that lacquer ware, amongst other goods, came into this country. However, only a limited number of these goods were actually imported and did not increase sufficiently to satisfy demand. Cabinets like these were, therefore, highly sought after and were extremely expensive items. The State Bedroom at Harewood House was not a practical room, but rather a space to display Edwin Lascelles wealth and status in society. These two cabinets fit in perfectly with this parade of extravagance.
Two Lacquer Cabinets on Stands
c.1773
The Earl & Countess of Harewood, & the Trustees of the Harewood House Trust
Back to Collection Index
For other furniture types
Top of Page
Chippendale at Harewood Home Page
Copyright © 2000, Harewood House Trust Limited
All Rights Reserved
a salvo production