A Very Rare Edwardian Inlaid Cabinet Attributed To London Maker Edwards And Roberts

A very rare Edwardian well figured rosewood cabinet attributed to the London Maker 'Edwards and Roberts'.  This stunning piece is of exceptional quality, finely carved with beautifully rich patination, grain and crossbanded, line inlaid and features exquisite marquetry panels depicting Neoclassical motifs throughout.  The moulded inverse breakfront top section is surmounted with a 3/4 gallery rim above an inlaid overhanging stepped cavetto pediment with gorgeous inlay raised over a pair of recessed mirror back alcoves above four short drawers flanked with a pair of panelled cupboard doors, all highly marquetry inlaid with strikingly detailed Neoclassical motifs depicting swags of foliate, tied ribbon bows, flowerheads, richly trailing foliate, swags of bell husks and a gorgeous cornucopia of musical instruments and foliate set within a a beaded row cartouche, all line inlaid, crossbanded and fitted with well cast brass escutcheons and keys.  The lower section features a crossbanded moulded top of bowfront form with an intricate marquetry inlaid central cartouche depicting an oval radiating fan encircled with swags of  bellhusks, flowerheads, musical instruments, linen swags and richly trailing foliate above a frieze fitted with one long drawer flanked with pairs of two short drawers, all inlaid with further decorative Neoclassical motifs and fitted with brass escutcheons and keys.  Supported on elegantly tapering square leg with delicate crossbanded panels conjoined with serpentine undertier shelf, terminating on spade foot.

Edward & Roberts

Edward and Roberts were founded in 1845, and had premises at 21 Wardour Street London.  By 1892 they occupied more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street, where they continued to trade until the end of the century.  They became one of the leading London cabinet makers and retailers working in a variety of styles, both modern and revivalist.  Edward and Roberts specialized in marquetry, inlay and ormolu.

Rosewood Type: 'Dalbergia Latifolia'