A George I scarlet and gold japanned chest of drawers in the manner of Giles Grendey.
Note: The chest retains its original brass handles.

Chests of drawers with japanned decoration are exceptionally rare. Another known piece was formerly in the collection of Ann Getty in San Francisco. The Getty chest was en suite with a matching bureau cabinet attributed to the workshop of Giles Grendey; both were made for export.

It is possible that our chest was also part of a set. In the 18th century, japanned furniture would have been placed in prime positions such as state bedrooms and drawing rooms in order to show off the owner’s wealth and fashionable taste. Despite their functionality, the primary purpose of japanned furniture was decorative, and in many cases these pieces were not used at all.