Antique Pair French Parquetry Bedside Cabinets 19th Century

A thoroughly delightful pair of antique French ormolu mounted parquetry Petite Commodes, circa 1870 in date.

The cabinets are free standing, so they look great from every angle. They are decorated all over with repeated quatrefoil motifs in a trellis of interlaced king-wood cross-banding outlined with stringing. The rectangular tops having shaped corners and gilt bronze trim above three drawers each with superb laurel swag cast swing handles. They are raised on square tapering legs terminating in gilt bronze caps.

Add an elegant touch to your home with these lovely bedside chests.

Condition:

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

Dimensions in cm:Height 67 cm x Width 41 cm x Depth 33 cm Dimensions in inches:Height 2 foot, 2 inches x Width 1 foot, 4 inches x Depth 1 foot, 1 inch 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 richly coloured mahogany and sometimes other tropical hardwoods are also used.

King-wood

is a classic furniture wood, almost exclusively used for inlays on very fine furniture. Occasionally it is used in the solid for small items and turned work, including parts of billiard cues, e.g., those made by John Parris. It is brownish-purple with many fine darker stripes and occasional irregular swirls. Occasionally it contains pale streaks of a similar colour to sapwood.

The wood is very dense and hard and can be brought to a spectacular finish. it turns well but due to its density and hardness can be difficult to work with hand tools. It also has a tendency to blunt the tools due to its abrasive properties.

Our reference: A4441

Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.