Hand Carved Desk With Jungle Motifs, Early 20th Century

Details

Description

An utterly unique painted, carved, and parcel-gilt writing desk with a commanding presence and a surface no reproduction can imitate … Read more An utterly unique painted, carved, and parcel-gilt writing desk with a commanding presence and a surface no reproduction can imitate — worn, mellowed, and entirely original.

The frieze is carved with monkeys seated among flowering branches, flanked by parrots that rise from the knees of each cabriole leg. Sun and moon motifs appear among the foliage on either side. The top carries a Bérain-style border of grotesques, urns, and winged figures on a deep red ground, with silvered insets at the corners. The carvings bear the marks of hand carving. This desk carries hallmarks of both European influence as well as Latin craftsmanship.

Construction is simple but robust, with no visible nails or screws. It has hallmark signs of historical furniture making techniques, but exact age is unknown.

Oral and unverified history from the estate holds that the desk was made for a family member who owned a vineyard in Argentina, though the desk is believed to be Mexican.

Presented as found, with authentic patina. Heavy, stable, and fully functional as an everyday desk. See less