Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Figured Wood Serpentine Two-Drawer Chest

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Description

Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Figured Wood Serpentine Two-Drawer Chest
A petite chest with curves in all the right … Read more Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Figured Wood Serpentine Two-Drawer Chest
A petite chest with curves in all the right places — richly figured wood, a serpentine front, old-world brass and a rather fabulous Florentine surprise hidden inside.
An elegant early 20th-century Continental two-drawer chest in the Louis XV taste, featuring beautifully figured warm-toned veneers and a wonderfully fluid serpentine form.
The shaped top follows the graceful bow of the case and is outlined with contrasting crossbanded edging, a particularly attractive detail that continues vertically along the front corners and emphasizes the cabinet's curving silhouette.
Two generously sized serpentine drawers display especially lively figuring in the veneer and retain ornate Rococo-style brass bail pulls. Open the drawers and the chest reveals an unexpected decorative flourish: both interiors are lined in rich green-and-gold Florentine-style paper with an intricate scrolling foliate patternj. The jewel-like green interior is a wonderful contrast against the warm amber tones of the exterior.
The shaped apron flows directly into slender cabriole legs, with decorative brass mounts accenting the front feet.
Compact proportions make this an unusually versatile antique chest. It is substantial enough to serve as a small bedside chest, yet refined enough for use beside a sofa, between two chairs, in an entry or as an accent cabinet beneath a mirror or artwork.
The warm honey and amber coloration is particularly appealing, with the figured veneers changing character as the light moves across the surface — exactly the sort of craftsmanship and material that gives antique furniture a depth difficult to reproduce in contemporary pieces.
Details
Period: Early 20th century, circa 1920–1940
Origin: Continental European, exact origin unknown
Style: Louis XV / Rococo Revival
Materials: Figured wood veneers, contrasting crossbanding, brass hardware and mounts, Florentine-style decorative paper
Configuration: Two drawers with decorative lined interiors See less