'Chinese Chippendale' Mahogany Secretary

A mahogany bureau bookcase with lots of unusual features associated with the "Chinese Chippendale" taste. The cornice is especially unusual with an open fretwork gallery flanking a central cartouche adorned with blind fretwork. There is also blind fretwork on the rails surrounding the drawers and on the bracket feet. A cut motif similar to the fretwork can also be found on the fall-front. The two shaped and beveled mirror plates are outlined with a gilded and carved molding. The writing surface is lined with a later green leather.