19th Century Mahogany Oval Bijouterie Display Table, 1890

Details

Description

A Very Good Quality Late 19th Century Mahogany Oval Inlaid Bijouterie Type Display Table, The Hinged Top with Glass Viewing … Read more A Very Good Quality Late 19th Century Mahogany Oval Inlaid Bijouterie Type Display Table, The Hinged Top with Glass Viewing Panel And Profuse Marquetry Inlaid Decoration, Over Further Glass Panels To All Sides And Upholstered Bottom Panel, Raised On Very Elegant Scrolling Cabriole Legs United By Shaped Cross Stretcher.

Bijouterie tables became particularly fashionable during the second half of the 19th century and were designed specifically for the display of treasured possessions and collections. The word "bijouterie" derives from the French for jewellery and, although jewellery was certainly amongst the items displayed in them, they were also used for all manner of small valuable and decorative objects which their owners wished to both protect and enjoy.

This is a particularly attractive example, with the unusual oval form giving it an elegance which is enhanced considerably by the profuse marquetry inlaid decoration surrounding the glazed top. Further glass panels to all sides allow the contents to be viewed from almost every angle, whilst the upholstered base provides an appropriate surface on which to arrange whatever is being displayed.

The lower section is equally elegant, with beautifully shaped scrolling cabriole legs united by a shaped cross stretcher, creating a light and refined appearance which ensures the table remains decorative without appearing overly heavy or cumbersome.

Bijouterie tables remain extremely practical pieces of antique furniture for the modern home and provide a wonderful opportunity to display a collection whilst keeping it safely enclosed. Jewellery, watches, silver, medals, coins and other small collectables would all work particularly well, whilst equally it could simply house a changing selection of favourite decorative objects.

As with all items which we offer for sale this bijouterie table has been attended to in our workshops by our highly skilled and traditional antique furniture restorers before being offered for sale and is therefore ready to place straight into the home.

Circa 1890.

Height 30in.
Width 24in.
Depth 16.5in. See less