Antique French Purple Heart & Marquetry Side Cabinet 19th C

This is a superb and imposing antique French serpentine ormolu mounted, purple heart, walnut, marquetry and king wood marble topped side cabinet, C 1880 in date.

The entire piece highlights the unique and truly exceptional pattern of the floral marquetry set into a parquetry ground with stunning king wood banding, and this is further complimented by the plethora of exquisite gilded ormolu mounts that decorate this incredible piece.

This cabinet is serpentine fronted with serpentine sides, and is topped with a stunning Carrara marble top, the pair of panelled doors open to reveal a polished interior with two shelves and plenty of storage space for drinks, glasses, crockery, etc.

With original working lock and key.

Oozing sophistication and charm, this cabinet is the absolute epitome of French high society. Its attention to detail and lavish decoration are certain to draw the eye wherever you choose to place it in your home.

Condition:

In really excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 112 cm x Width 132 cm x Depth 45 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 3 foot, 8 inches x Width 4 foot, 4 inches x Depth 1 foot, 6 inches

Parquetry - is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for decorative effect. The two main uses of parquetry are as veneer patterns on furniture and block patterns for flooring. Parquetry patterns are entirely geometrical and angular—squares, triangles, lozenges.

The word derives from the Old French parchet , literally meaning "a small enclosed space". Large diagonal squares known as parquet de Versailles were introduced in 1684 as parquet de menuiserie to replace the marble flooring that required constant washing, which tended to rot the joists beneath the floors.

Such parquets en lozange were noted by the Swedish architect Daniel Cronström at Versailles and at the Grand Trianon in 1693. Timber contrasting in color and grain, such as oak, walnut, cherry, lime, pine, maple etc. are sometimes employed; and in the more expensive kinds the tropical hardwoods are also used.

Marquetry is decorative artistry where pieces of material of different colors are inserted into surface wood veneer to form intricate patterns such as scrolls or flowers.

Ormolu

(from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as 'gilt bronze'.

Our reference: A3655