American, New York City New York

This cabinet reflects the eclecticism of the American Aesthetic movement. The tight gilded floral design incised into the surface and the large brass strap hinges allude to neo-Gothic influences, revived by English furniture designer Charles Eastlake. The influence of Japanese decorative arts can be seen in the choice of ebonized wood, which simulates Asian lacquer, and the carved lower cabinet doors featuring stylized jaguars. This type of cabinet was popularized in the United States by the New York firm Kimbel & Cabus, whose work was shown at the 1876 world’s fair exhibition in Philadelphia and circulated through trade publications.