Vintage Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Vintage Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk 

There’s a reason the classic secretary desk is having a moment again. Beautiful, functional and remarkably versatile, these are the kinds of pieces that make a home feel truly collected.

This vintage hand-painted chinoiserie secretary is an especially striking example, standing an impressive 81 inches tall while measuring just 25½ inches at its widest. Its tall, narrow proportions give it tremendous architectural presence while requiring barely more than two feet of wall space.

The warm golden-ochre ground is accented with soft green, gilt detailing and beautifully rendered chinoiserie landscape scenes across the front and sides. An architectural broken pediment, fluted gilt-accented columns and an aged crackle finish add to its wonderful old-world character.

But its beauty is only part of the story.

The upper cabinet opens to reveal shelving for books, treasured collections or display. Below, the drop-front secretary opens into a writing surface, revealing a fitted interior filled with charming small drawers and compartments. Four generously sized drawers beneath provide additional storage.

A key accompanies the piece and fits the keyholes on both the upper cabinet and drop-front secretary. Locking function has not been tested.

The painted surface shows craquelure, patina, rubbing and other signs of age and use, all of which contribute beautifully to the character of this vintage piece. Please review photographs closely for condition and details.

It is exactly the sort of furniture we love for the art of a collected home—beautiful enough to make a statement, useful enough to earn its place, and distinctive enough to become part of a room’s story.

Details:
Vintage, later 20th century
Hand-painted chinoiserie decoration
Upper display/storage cabinet with shelving
Drop-front writing desk
Fitted secretary interior with multiple small drawers and compartments
Four lower storage drawers
Architectural pediment with gilt detailing
Key included; locking function untested
81” H × 25½” W at widest point

Price: $1,497

Available for pickup at our Collected Cottage of antique and vintage home and garden decor just outside Austin, Texas. Due to the size and nature of this piece, shipping is not included; however, we are always happy to work with a third-party shipping service of your choice to help coordinate delivery.

Some things become classics for a reason.

Vintage and antique items have some wear associated with years of age and use which only adds to their overall charm. Please see all the pics as they are considered part of the description.

🚚Hawaii and Alaska residents, please contact me for a shipping quote🚚

🛍️All Sales As-Is and Final. We don’t accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations🛍️