French Louis XVI Kingwood Desk

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A very elegant late 19th century French bonheur du jour / dressing table in the Louis XVI manner, veneered in … Read more A very elegant late 19th century French bonheur du jour / dressing table in the Louis XVI manner, veneered in richly figured kingwood and tulipwood with extensive parquetry and marquetry decoration Bought from a dealer on March Biron at Paris antiques markets The serpentine front is beautifully proportioned, fitted with an arrangement of drawers – a long central drawer flanked by smaller drawers to each side – all inlaid with geometric parquetry panels and framed in fine boxwood stringing The central frieze drawer is adorned with a delicate gilt bronze mount, while the drawers retain their original circular brass knobs The shaped top is particularly striking, with three hinged sections. The central lid is inlaid with an elegant marquetry trophy motif of musical instruments tied with ribbon, set within a crossbanded border The outer sections feature intricate basket-weave parquetry, creating a wonderfully decorative surface even when closed When opened, the piece reveals a fully fitted interior lined in vibrant red fabric, divided into compartments for jewellery and personal effects The central section rises to reveal a mirror plate, framed in kingwood veneer, transforming the piece into a dressing table The interior retains its original brass hinges and fittings. Dimensions are in inches (CM): Width x Depth x Height 31.5" (80 cm) x 20" (51 cm) x 29" (74 cm) Open Top: 50" (127 cm) x 20" (51 cm) See less