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English Regency Gonçalo Alves Low Etagere or Two-Tier Stand with Drawer, c. 1815

Offered by: Acroterion

Description
An unusually fine English Regency circa 1815 'Gonçalo alves' or 'Kingwood' library stand, dwarf etagere, or whatnot of rectangular two-tier form, the top and lower section with drawer supported by turned finial-topped stiles ending in original brass casters. Height given is to top of finials; height to top shelf is 22.75"; height to top of lower tier is 11.13".

This piece is exceptional and extremely curious in that 'Gonçalo alves', also known as 'Kingwood', a hardwood native to Brazil and known to have been among the most expensive of woods used in 18th and 19th century British and European cabinetmaking, would be used to construct in its entirety (meaning veneers and turned stiles) what would be considered such a 'practical' piece of furniture, as opposed to the more expected 'ornamental' piece', as it was typically used sparingly for inlay and very rarely a whole piece of furniture given its cost.* Furthermore, kingwood veneers were not typically used in broad swathes as evidenced here as it is want to split and warp given its grain structure, also evidenced here through its repairs, however non-detracting.

*Stuart, Susan. 'Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840', Vol. II., Woodbridge: Antique Collectors’ Club, 2008. p. 150.

More Information

Origin:	England
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Gonçalo alves, oak, brass
Condition:	Good. Historical veneer repairs; recently professionally restored and rewaxed; presents beautifully.
Creation Date:	circa 1815
Styles / Movements:	Regency, Traditional, George III
Incollect Reference #:	764980

Dimensions

W.	18.25 in;	H.	25 in;	D.	15.63 in;
W.	46.36 cm;	H.	63.5 cm;	D.	39.7 cm;

Message from Seller:

Acroterion, the company, founded in late 2012, is by appointment in the historic Hudson Valley of upstate New York specializing in exceptional fine and decorative art from eastern to western, ancient to current; with a focus on the unique and timeless. The curated inventory is ever-changing and discriminately chosen by the founder and owner Randal Dawkins. Having a passion for fine objects and design from an early age, Mr. Dawkins graduated in 2004 from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London.