This monumental Chinese slant top desk is a masterpiece. Its style, with its slight mid section serpentine shape, comes right out of Chippendale’s design book with its separate drawers on either side of the main drawer.
While the desk is large, the detail is very fine. Note that on the edges of the top, between all the drawers , sides and lid are constructed of a dark intricately carved molding that contrasts with the blond wood (possibly paduk) used on the desk. The wood used on this molding appears the color of walnut but is probably another native wood.
The base of this desk is quite something else which is never seen on its American/English counterparts. It is fabulously carved similar to all the moldings edging all of the flat surfaces above. The interior is similarly crafted with contrasting woods with dark carved valances over the pigeon holes. The interior drawers end with bow shaped ends. Interestingly, on the outer side of the desk lid is a horizontal carved molding which acts as a book rest, also rarely seen. This desk retains its original brasses and unique hinge system for the lid.
This came out of Northeast Auctions, and I really had to fight for it as there was one heavy hitter: a municipal bond salesman from Greenwich Village, Connecticut, who wanted it as much as I did. These pieces are never seen, and are very rare so you can guess it really cost me!
Carl Crossman, a scholar and author of Chinese material culture was instrumental in my acquiring this desk. Carl was a very soft spoken kind individual that we enjoyed very much. From time to time he directed many fine things to the Northeast Auctions. He was a close friend of Ron Bourgeault, the owner of Northeast. This is how this desk got there… in addition to several others.
This desk has the feeling of being crafted for a royal Chinese palace, and I was not the only one to recognize this. …and so if you have to have it, you have to have it !
While we do like Chinese furniture and have a small bit of it, I believe this adds to our collection of the slant top desk from the east.
Height: 43 in. Length 41 3/4 in.
Revised Aug 28, 2025, 6:38 PM