The 'Abbotsford' Pattern

Abbotsford is one of a small number of designs in de Gournay’s Chinoiserie Collection which faithfully reproduces a surviving antique set of panels deliberately maintaining the full drama and grand scale of the original artist’s vision. The design is a spectacle of densely packed, finely worked figures, animals and exotic birds amidst flowering bushes of peony, finger citron, prunus, camellia and chrysanthemum. Painted in a rich polychrome palette on a deep turquoise ground, the original made a detailed botanical study of the many plants to be found in the finest 18th Century Oriental gardens. These were subjects and species unknown to and therefore highly exotic to Western eyes at the time.

The model for the design is a rare set of 20 panels, each 4ft wide, that experts have attributed to the work of the painter Tsai, active in Canton in the late Qianlong period (circa 1790) which came to auction in London in the 1990’s. The design is named after a similar surviving set which hangs in the drawing room at Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott's home in Scotland. Hugh Scott, a cousin of Sir Walter and also a Director of the East Indian Company acquired these in the Orient on behalf of Lady Scott for the room they still decorate.

For the final Fine Furniture & Works of Art sale of the year, the Winter season sees three triptychs with elegant brass frames taken from different sections de Gournay's ‘Abbotsford’ design. With grounds chosen to reflect the season but still deliver a punch of colour, the iterations include a Faded Glory slub silk, Myrtle India tea paper and a Mauve Silver gilded tea paper. de Gournay have also had fun adding a playful touch from the favourite 12 Days of Christmas hymn. We invite you to see if you can pick out all of the references to the 12 days.

The Chinoiserie Collection

de Gournay’s Chinoiserie collection is based on the historic Chinese wallpapers that sparked a craze for a ‘Chinese’ style in royal palaces and grand houses across the Western world as trade between Europe and China flourished in the 18th century. de Gournay's faithful recreations celebrate the beauty of these originals, whose popularity remains undimmed by the passage of time.

Dreweatts x de Gournay

Enhancing this photographic collaboration, the Fine Furniture, Sculpture, Carpets, Ceramics and Works of Art auction will offer three exclusive lots featuring de Gournay’s 'Abbotsford' Chinoiserie hand-painted panels (Lots 540-542). This provides a rare opportunity for design enthusiasts to acquire a piece of the brand’s signature craftsmanship at auction and integrate it into their own interiors.

Together with de Gournay, we wish you all a very happy and festive Christmas.

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Auction Details

Auction:
Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 December, 10.30am GMT
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

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Viewing:
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

• Friday 28 November: 10am-4pm
• Saturday 29 November: 10am-3pm
• Sunday 30 November: 10am-3pm
• Monday 1 December: 10am-4pm
• Tuesday 2 December: 9am-4pm

Dreweatts 360 Virtual Auction Tour | Available from Friday 28 November

Further Information: 
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | furniture@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com 

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