A Danish japanned wood bureau cabinet, circa 1750, attributed to Mathias Ortmann

By tradition Hirscholm Castle, Danemark;

Rasmussen, Bredgade, 2 March 2017, lot 211

Trade between Denmark and the Far East began as early as the 17th century with the creation of the Danish East India Company in 1616 under the impetus of King Christian IV. This company allowed the Danes to discover Chinese and Japanese decorative arts through the import of porcelain and lacquerware. In 1732, Christian VI created the Royal Danish Asiatic Company, which further developed this trade, enabling the import of a greater number of pieces. For example, the king purchased a pair of Chinese lacquer desks for the Royal Palace in Copenhagen in 1738; these are now at Fredensborg Palace (see T. Clemmenson, "Some furniture made in China in the English style, Exported from Canton to Denmark 1735, 1737 and 1738," Furniture History, 1985, pp. 174-177).

Our desk cabinet thus replicates the design of King Christian VI's cabinet, but using japanned wood emulating Chinese lacquer. Its form is characteristic of Northern European furniture, with a mirror-fronted cabinet in the upper section, followed by a drop-front writing surface with drawers, all in a serpentine shape.

The most renowned cabinetmaker for this type of furniture is Mathias Ortmann (circa 1700-1757). Of Swedish origin, he joined the family workshop in Copenhagen. His father crafted furniture for the royal court, including for Prince Carl, brother of King Frederik IV. He earned his master craftsman's certificate in 1723 and travelled throughout Europe to further his training, notably in France. He returned to Denmark and became the principal supplier to the court. He produced furniture of exceptional quality, using marquetry, Chinese lacquer, or painted wood. Thus, a desk with Chinese lacquer, stamped by Ortmann, is at Hirscholm Royal Castle (illustrated in M. Gelfer-Jorgensen, Dansk Kunsthandwerk 1730-1850, Copenhagen, 1973, p. 33). In the workshop records of 1751 and 1752, furniture with Chinese lacquer is recorded, which could suggest that Ortmann himself had furniture made in China for export.

Our piece of furniture perfectly emulates Chinese lacquer; its distinctive shape and high-quality craftsmanship confirm its attribution.

For a desk by Ortmann with walnut marquetry, see Sotheby’s, Amsterdam , 7 April 2009, lot 232.