Rare 19th century French solid kingwood ‘whatnot’
This rare 19th century French solid kingwood whatnot is certainly a work of cabinetmaker, leader of Japonism, Gabriel Viardot (1830-1904).
It is surmounted by a varnished polished bronze dragon that is frequently found in the cabinetmaker’s production.
The lower part also has shelves whose upright is decorated with a wrapped dragon in varnished polished bronze.
H.98cm W.69cm D.40cm
Now with the remaining of my stock, in storage awaiting a pop up shop somewhere around Australia.
Or you’re welcome to visit my storeroom/workshop inner city Melbourne.
The Hepplewhite style bowed back rail, with plain shaped upright arms, resting on corner moulded square block legs, joined by a matching front stretcher and central ‘H’ stretcher.
The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed, is an illustrated publication which began in 1787.
The longest running botanical magazine, it is widely referred to by the subsequent name Curtis’s Botanical Magazine.
Each of the issues contains a description, in formal yet accessible language, and is renowned for featuring the work of two centuries of botanical illustrators
Many plants received their first publication on the pages, and the description given was enhanced by the keenly detailed illustrations.
Even the portrait hanging, I remember was selling for Bryan Collie, Melbourne Fine Art Gallery, a very supportive business and personal friend right from the start 1990.
Actually I was selling the buffet decor for another great friend that taught me so much for many years.
So many great memories over the past 3.5 decades.
Including my friend David Glyn Davies painting the Celtic scroll on my shop wall. Clearly visible in my ads throughout the 90s.
Sold this beautiful vintage/retro pastel nude of a reclining woman. I hadn’t posted before, too much to do sometimes.
I really love this painting. Great focus on her beauty and form, with perfect highlights and shading. Also the slightly damaged frame and mount.
I’ve sold dozens of nudes over the decades. Surprisingly the majority to women. I understand as the shape of a woman is one of the most beautiful sights in our amazing world.
I’ve also sold a few male nudes, one to a woman, the others to men.
Forty-seven years ago, I started my journey with an after-school job at the local antique shop. Since then, I’ve spent 36 wonderful years running my own business—and now, I have decided to close my retail business and start a new chapter.
This business has been a true passion. I’ve loved every part of it: helping customers find that perfect piece, restoring beloved furniture, making drawers glide like new, and offering advice on arranging homes. Most of all, I’ve cherished the conversations with locals—and their dogs! That part, I’ll miss the most.
