A FINE WILLIAM AND MARY SEAWEED MARQUETRY BUREAU POSSIBLY BY GERRIT JENSEN

The overhanging upper section with sloping fall profusely inlaid with shaped panels of arabesque seaweed marquetry, framed by burr walnut and foliate borders, enclosing a fitted interior with four short and a long drawer, pigeonholes and a well. The writing panel covered in blue velvet. The base section with six drawers, similarly veneered with arabesque marquetry and bordered by foliate banding, with three further drawers in the kneehole, raised on turnedbun feet.

This outstanding example of seaweed or ‘arabesque’ marquetry has survived in an extraordinary state of preservation, having retained its original surface which has mellowed to a glorious and complex patina. Interestingly an internal drawer retains what appears to be the original costings by the maker of presumably £ 10 7 shillings for cabinet work and £ 14,00 for the marquetry; totalling £ 24 and 7 shillings.
The extraordinary quality and complexity of the marquetry of this bureau is second to none and would strongly suggest the work of Royal Cabinet maker Gerrit Jensen of Long Acre and St Martins Lane London. 1667 – 1715.

PROVENANCE
Montacute House, Somerset, Collection number L/MON/F/71
On loan to The National Trust by The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings