PREMIER PRE HOLIDAY AUCTION
Lot 75:
Description
Liberty & Co. Attributed Art Nouveau Mahogany Display Cabinet
Liberty & Co. attributed art nouveau mahogany cabinet with stylized floral inlay, most likely Liberty & Company. Late 19th/early 20th century.
Top having a shaped pediment, inlaid with art nouveau stylized flowers. Two glazed doors centering a flower inlaid stile, the corners of the case with partly engaged columns with carved capitals and turned bases. The interior lined with embroidered velvet fabric, with two adjustable shelves. Raised on cabriole legs joined by shaped shelf. No apparent signature.
Liberty & Co. opened in 1875 and from an early age it established itself as one of the most fashionable places to shop in london, Originally created to sell ornaments, fabric and objects de vertu from japan it soon expanded, occupying other shopping spaces on the street and establishing its world-famous eastern bazaar on the lower ground floor. In 1884, the costume department was added, where they created in-house apparel to rival fashion capital paris. Liberty & Co. also became famous for their wide selection of indian silks, considered to be the best in britain. Clocks, wall papers, table articles, metal work, jewelry and other decorative arts formed their offerings. It served as a major resource for both the art nouveau and arts and crafts movements, offering highly accessible design of solid quality. Liberty & Co. introduced to their patronage the up and coming jewelry artists, furniture makers and designers of the period. At the time, Liberty & Co. was said to have ‘built up an influence that has laid hold of almost every section of society, and has been responsible for a radical change in the general opinion on aesthetic questions ‘ (Escritt 333). The accessibility of their goods became the key in its pervasive influence on the art nouveau movement.
64" high x 42" wide x 14 1/2" deep at deepest point.
Condition: The pediment is a bit loose from top of case, one glass panel is cracked. There is an 8" closed split to the medial shelf which joins the legs. No key is present with this cabinet.
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