Chinoiserie Lacquered Tea Cart with Removable Glass Tray

Story

During the 1920s, the 'Cocktail Hour' and formal tea service became the height of social theater. This cart was designed to be wheeled into a parlor to dazzle guests with its exotic, shimmering 'Eastern' motifs and clever mobile design.

Maker / Origin

While often unsigned, pieces like this were produced by high-end furniture makers such as Paalman Furniture Co. or Ferguson Bros. who specialized in 'novelty' furniture. They combined traditional English silhouettes with the era's obsession with Orientalism.

Condition & Value

The lacquer shows significant 'crazing' and surface wear consistent with age, particularly on the top surface. The gilt scenes remain largely legible, and the presence of the original tray and brass handles is a major plus. Wear reduces value by about 20%.