A Rare Regency Cabinet in the Egyptian Manner

H: 97 in / 246.5 cm W: 103 in / 262 cm D: 27 in / 69 cm Of monumental proportions, constructed in flame mahogany in a shouldered pylon form, the design drawn directly from Ancient Egyptian temples: of breakfront form, above the plinth base, the three doors, with raised trapezoidal panels supported by taloned feet; the central door within two pilasters, adorned with pharaonic heads, wearing khat headdresses, adorned with the uraeus, symbol of Wadjet, the Goddess of Wisdom; over, in the incurved and fluted cavetto cornice, are carved figures of confronting birds, the unified symbol of Horus; on the shoulders of the flanking doors are addorsed carved wood figures of the Sphinx. Provenance: Mindful that George Bullock, the Liverpool cabinet maker whose designs informed the Regency period, had a showroom in Piccadilly, called the ‘Egyptian Rooms’, and that Thomas Hope, the influential designer drew on the newly rediscovered Egyptian influences: yet, more truly ‘Egyptian’ than the known works of either of these eminent men, this dramatic piece of furniture, in our humble, yet, certain view, the apotheosis of Egyptian Regency art.