What characterises 18th-century French porcelain-mounted writing tables?

These tables feature detailed parquetry or marquetry woodwork combined with inset hand-painted porcelain plaques, gilt-bronze mounts, and decorative brass galleries.

What materials were traditionally used in 18th-century French writing tables?

Craftsmen utilised exotic hardwoods such as kingwood and tulipwood for veneering, combined with cast ormolu fittings, brass galleries, and painted porcelain inserts.

How can one identify authentic pieces from this era?

Authentic period examples demonstrate hand-cut joinery, hand-chased gilt-bronze mounts with natural patination, and period-correct markings on the underside of porcelain plaques.

How can an antique French writing table be styled in a modern interior?

Place the table as a standalone accent piece in a quiet nook, window alcove, or study to highlight the intricate wood grain and porcelain details against simple walls.

How should one care for and preserve parquetry and porcelain furniture?

Dust surfaces regularly with a dry microfibre cloth, maintain stable humidity to prevent veneer lifting, and clear metal or porcelain components without harsh chemical polishes.

for sale €4,212 $4,572

£3,600

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016

View Dealers Stock Page

About Us

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Relevant Links

Porcelain Plaque Desk

18th Century French Desk

French Marquetry Writing Desk

Id #SA1083843

PDF

SAVE

Antique French Writing Side Table Porcelain Plaques C.1780

Name: Antique French Writing Side Table Porcelain Plaques C.1780
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1083843
Price: 3600 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Regent Antiques

Description

This fine piece is an Antique French Writing Table or Side Table with Porcelain Plaques and which dates from around 1780.

This late 18th century antique French kingwood writing table (or side table) has been beautifully decorated with lovely ormolu mounts and also features a number of attractive Sevres style hand painted porcelain plaques as shown in the photographs we have provided.

The writing table top is rectangular and has been fashioned in kingwood. It is fitted with a very attractive three quarter brass gallery. Furthermore it has line inlay, goncalo alves crossbanding, and a delightful, centrally mounted porcelain plaque.

This French writing table has a frieze drawer fitted to one side but please note that it is finished all round, with all four sides being similarly decorated with the Sevres porcelain plaques which are set in attractive ormolu mounts.

The all-round finish means, of course, that this writing table does not need to be placed against a wall, instead it can be situated anywhere in a room and admired from any direction. A versatile, and very practical, item of furniture we are sure you will agree.

The writing table is mounted on elegant and very sturdy cabriole legs each of which having ormolu mounts situated on the knees and terminating in ormolu sabots.

This antique French writing table is in truly excellent condition as the photographs confirm.

Shipping

We are able to carefully pack and ship this writing table to almost any destination worldwide. Please call or email us for a quotation before placing your order. Customers living in mainland UK can benefit from free delivery on this piece.

Viewing Arrangements and Further Information

The Antique French writing table may be viewed at our London warehouse / showroom where you will find an extensive range of beautiful, desirable desks and other related items of antique furniture.

If you can’t make the journey to London please feel free to call our in-house furniture and antiques experts and ask any questions you may have – please quote the stock item number 07094 when you are contacting us in order to avoid confusion.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 74 cm x Width 81 cm x Depth 49 cm

Height 59 cm x Width 66 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 2 foot, 5 inches x Width 2 foot, 8 inches x Depth 1 foot, 7 inches

Height 1 foot, 11 inches x Width 2 foot, 2 inches

Our reference: 07094

Physical Dimensions

Height

74cm (29.13")

Width

81cm (31.89")

Depth

49cm (19.29")

Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this French Porcelain Writing Table to the 1750s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1083843

Dealers Internal Reference

07094

Description

This fine piece is an Antique French Writing Table or Side Table with Porcelain Plaques and which dates from around 1780.

This late 18th century antique French kingwood writing table (or side table) has been beautifully decorated with lovely ormolu mounts and also features a number of attractive Sevres style hand painted porcelain plaques as shown in the photographs we have provided.

The writing table top is rectangular and has been fashioned in kingwood. It is fitted with a very attractive three quarter brass gallery.

“

Furthermore it has line inlay, goncalo alves crossbanding, and a delightful, centrally mounted porcelain plaque.

Regent Antiques

fig 1. An 18th-century French writing side table with kingwood parquetry, brass gallery rail, cabriole legs, and inset porcelain plaques. — fig 1. Antique French Writing Side Table Porcelain Plaques C.1780

This French writing table has a frieze drawer fitted to one side but please note that it is finished all round, with all four sides being similarly decorated with the Sevres porcelain plaques which are set in attractive ormolu mounts.

fig 2. An 18th-century French writing side table with kingwood parquetry, brass gallery rail, cabriole legs, and inset porcelain plaques. — fig 2. Antique French Writing Side Table Porcelain Plaques C.1780

The all-round finish means, of course, that this writing table does not need to be placed against a wall, instead it can be situated anywhere in a room and admired from any direction. A versatile, and very practical, item of furniture we are sure you will agree.

fig 3. An 18th-century French writing side table with kingwood parquetry, brass gallery rail, cabriole legs, and inset porcelain plaques. — fig 3. Antique French Writing Side Table Porcelain Plaques C.1780

The writing table is mounted on elegant and very sturdy cabriole legs each of which having ormolu mounts situated on the knees and terminating in ormolu sabots.

This antique French writing table is in truly excellent condition as the photographs confirm.

fig 4. An 18th-century French writing side table with kingwood parquetry, brass gallery rail, cabriole legs, and inset porcelain plaques. — fig 4. Antique French Writing Side Table Porcelain Plaques C.1780

Shipping

We are able to carefully pack and ship this writing table to almost any destination worldwide. Please call or email us for a quotation before placing your order. Customers living in mainland UK can benefit from free delivery on this piece.

fig 5. An 18th-century French writing side table with kingwood parquetry, brass gallery rail, cabriole legs, and inset porcelain plaques. — fig 5. Antique French Writing Side Table Porcelain Plaques C.1780

Viewing Arrangements and Further Information

The Antique French writing table may be viewed at our London warehouse / showroom where you will find an extensive range of beautiful, desirable desks and other related items of antique furniture.

fig 6. An 18th-century French writing side table with kingwood parquetry, brass gallery rail, cabriole legs, and inset porcelain plaques. — fig 6. Antique French Writing Side Table Porcelain Plaques C.1780

If you can’t make the journey to London please feel free to call our in-house furniture and antiques experts and ask any questions you may have – please quote the stock item number 07094 when you are contacting us in order to avoid confusion.