Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Side Cabinet Mid-19th Century

Details

Description

Napoleon III Ormolu-Mounted Boulle Marquetry Side Cabinet

A striking example of Napoleon III Boulle marquetry, this side cabinet pairs ebonized … Read more Napoleon III Ormolu-Mounted Boulle Marquetry Side Cabinet

A striking example of Napoleon III Boulle marquetry, this side cabinet pairs ebonized wood with rich red tortoiseshell inlay and fine ormolu mounts. Boulle work, named for André-Charles Boulle, cabinetmaker to Louis XIV, layers brass and tortoiseshell in intricate patterns, a technique that defined French luxury furniture for over two centuries.

This cabinet has remained with a single family since it was originally purchased, and it shows the honest patina of a well-loved, well-used piece rather than one that has sat in storage.

Condition notes:

- Visible wear consistent with age and years of family use (see photos)
- No key but cabinet is unlocked
- Some sections of the original brass inlay have come loose over time; these pieces have been retained and can be professionally reset by a restorer
- A small number of missing inlay sections have been hand-painted to visually replicate the pattern
- One area of ebonized wood shows surface damage from a family pet (bad girl)
- The marble top has light surface scratching but is otherwise in good, stable condition

Sold with full transparency on condition. A wonderful opportunity for a Boulle enthusiast or restorer to bring this cabinet back to its original brilliance or to embrace its lived-in character. See less