Lacquer Lap Desk

Early 19th Century, 

Gift to Art Conservation Department

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This English-style lap desk is decorated with a black lacquer or japanned coating with applied gold brush work designs in various alloys.  The desk is missing a drawer and exhibits finish and ground losses, flaked and lifting ground, and surface wear.  Treatment will involve fabrication of a new drawer, consolidation and flattening of ground layers, loss compensations, and visual reintegration.  

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Documentation is currently in progress.