Victorian Davenport desk, likely mahogany. Well-carved with profuse scrollwork panels and two monopodial scrolling supports in the form of winged women. With a six drawers along one side, hidden by a panel, and a slant-top leather writing service that hinges open to reveal a space for storing writing supplies. A fine and excellent example of this type of desk.

Provenance: From the collection of Frederick and Catherine Asher, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Frederick M. Asher and Catherine E. Asher were prominent scholars in the field of Art History. Both dedicated their lives to the education of students, teaching for many years as professors at the University of Minnesota. They both had a passion for South Asian art, traveling extensively throughout India, Asia, and the Middle East. Selections from their travels and careers as avid art historians are offered in this auction. Their collection includes Indian jewelry, Japanese woodblock prints, an incredible slide collection, and much more.
Height: 36 1/2 in x width: 21 in x depth: 24 1/2 in.

The desk is structurally sound and stable. The carved/pierced decoration along the back along the top is broken and shows signs of previous attempted repairs. The finials are detached but included. Several other small losses to the carved decoration throughout. There are several large splits to the wood: along the leather writing top there is a notable split, visible in the lot listing; along the interior of the writing desk there is a large horizontal split to the bottom, visible in the lot listing; there is a short split extending vertically downwards along the front panel from the top; there are short splits along the top border along the three side panels. Splits and losses to the veneer along the interior of the desk and the drawers. All drawers open, though some are somewhat tight. Heavy wear, splits, and bowing to the veneer along the interior of the door that hides the drawers.