Why You’ll Love It
This beautifully handcrafted 1:12 scale walnut low bookcase by British artisan Alan Barnes of Tarbena Miniatures features a classic flat-front design with rich wood grain, subtle contrasting inlay, and four delicately turned tapered legs. The upper section contains two functional drawers, each fitted with miniature brass drop pulls and a central decorative keyhole. Beneath them, three open shelves hold removable solid wood book inserts, individually carved and hand-painted to resemble tightly packed antique leather-bound volumes. The books feature a beautifully varied palette of forest green, muted teal, dusty plum, terracotta, and deep blue, with delicate gold-toned spine detailing. The book inserts can be removed to reveal open shelving, providing additional display versatility. Finished with Tarbena's characteristic aged wood patina, this finely crafted cabinet is artist-signed and dated on the reverse.
Perfect for
A charming addition to Georgian libraries, traditional studies, gentleman's offices, and English country house interiors. Ideal for period-inspired reading rooms, scholarly collections, and displays of fine British artisan miniature furniture, particularly when paired with complementary Tarbena Miniatures library pieces.
Details
Materials: Walnut wood
Scale & Size: 1:12 scale; 3 ⅛” tall × 4 ⅝” long × 1 ½” deep
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Artist: Alan Barnes of Tarbena Miniatures (UK)
Collection: Madame 'Y' of Japan
Please Note: Listing includes the walnut low bookcase with three removable faux-book shelf inserts only. Chair, rug, artwork, other furnishings, and staging accessories shown in photographs are not included.
A Note About Value
Every miniature we offer has been carefully evaluated for its craftsmanship, rarity, condition, provenance, and collectibility. Many of the artisan pieces we sell are one-of-a-kind works that may never appear on the market again. While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.
Our pricing reflects the miniature's place within today's collector market and the years we've spent studying the artists, histories, and values that make these tiny works of art so special.
A Commitment to Research
Every miniature has a story, and uncovering it is one of our greatest passions. We carefully research each piece, but unsigned or illegible works can remain mysteries. If you can identify an artist or provide additional information, we'd be delighted to hear from you and will gladly update the listing to preserve their legacy.
