The Moorish style of this cabinet was inspired by the art of north-west Africa and southern Spain.Interest in the exotic Orient fuelled Victorian design. Dark Japanese laquer was replicated in Wolverhampton with the invention of thick black varnish. This decorative and durable varnish was applied to metal and papier mache surfaces, designs such as this ladies' cabinet, made by Frederick Walton and Co of Wolverhampton. The style of decoration is known as `Moresque' or `Moorish', as it took inspiration from the art of the Muslim inhabitants of north-west Africa and southern Spain. The cabinet is made of wood and papier-mache. It has five columns, each raised on a turned foot, and six drawers, decorated with gold leaf and coloured paint.
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