ANTIQUE VICTORIAN OAK CURVED GLASS CHINA CABINET WITH GRIFFIN CARVINGS ATTRIBUTED TO R.J. HORNER
With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this magnificent antique china cabinet. We could not be any prouder to offer this remarkable cabinet as it is truly one of the most significant examples that we have ever come to own. The impressive quality and overall commanding presence of this piece suggests that it was built for a gilded age mansion or for a grand Victorian interior. The architectural influence of the carved capitols are indictive of similar pieces found to be made for the wealth and grandeur of New York City's elite. Only a few firms in the country ever made anything close in quality to this china cabinet, with the New York firm belonging to R.J. Horner being the most logical candidate to have made the cabinet.
The cabinet has two masterfully carved griffin elements that are identical to known examples made by R.J. Horner. The overall form is defined by two prominent curved sides and a bowed center door. All three components of the frame are fitted with curved glass panels that are of the highest quality available during the late 19th century. The back of the cabinet interior is fitted with a large mirror panel and four rounded glass shelves are housed within the case. The top of the case is adorned with a series of cabochon carvings that span across the cabinet just beneath an expertly profiled crown molding. The twin griffins stand on matched corbels that are both acanthus carved and rest above a series of intricately carved elements. The entire cabinet stands on two wonderfully carved lion paw feet.
The entire case of this cabinet is constructed from an excellent selection of oak lumber. It was fitted with interior lights so that the contents of the cabinet could be illuminated. This lighting along with the mirrored back makes for the perfect showcase. The cabinet is quite heavy and special care is required whenever it needs to be moved. We note some finish loss to the cabinet door. This can be addressed with a light application of more finish if so desired. The color loss was not at all noticeable inside of the home we purchased it from and really only became apparent when the cabinet was photographed outside in direct sunlight. This cabinet is in exceptional condition having been remarkably well cared for from the time it was made.
This antique china cabinet measures 47 1/4" wide x 17 1/2" deep at the top x 66" tall. The shelves are spaced as follows: from the bottom of the case to the base shelf 12" of height, 10 3/4" of height from the fourth shelf to the third, 10 1/2" of height from third shelf to the second, 10 3/4" height from second shelf to first, and 11" of height from top shelf to underneath the interior lights.
