A rare Chinese export table work cabinet,c.1820, gilt decorated on black lacquer with figures in pavilions, gardens or at receptions within foliate borders, a stepped hinged cover opening to reveal compartments, some containing small ivory implements, the pair of front doors inset with shaped marble panels painted with butterflies, flowers and peacocks, the reverse of marble with other birds and flowers, all within a gilt dragon decorated ground, the interior with two short drawers and a lower drawer which pulls out to form a hinged writing slope, carved ivory door and handles, on four ball feet, the reverse of the cabinet painted with flowers and rocks in gilt,34.3cm wide24cm deep42cm highLiterature: Work cabinets with marble are very rare. For further information on this type of gilt decorated lacquer furniture, see Carl Crossman's 'The China Trade', p263-288.For a similar cabinet, see Sotheby's New York, 18 September 1996, lot 285.