Object Description
This is a superb and imposing antique French ormolu mounted, amboyna, marquetry. rosewood and kingwood side cabinet, C 1850 in date.
The entire piece highlights the unique and truly exceptional pattern of the floral marquetry which is set into the amboyna ground with stunning kingwood and rosewood banding, and this is further complimented by the plethora of exquisite gilded ormolu mounts that decorate this incredible piece.
This cabinet is bow fronted with serpentine sides, the pair of panelled doors open to reveal a mahogany interior with a central shelf that has been relined in Royal Purple velvet 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 excellent condition having been beautifully restored in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 96 x Width 123 x Depth 41
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 feet, 2 inches x Width 4 feet, 0 inches x Depth 1 foot, 4 inches
Amboyna is a type of wood which has its origins in Indonesia (the preferred veneer comes particularly from the Andaman Islands). The grain texture is one of the most seldom and exclusive on earth.
The burls are often very small, which is why the sheets of veneer come in small dimensions. The colours range from deep yellowish-orange to dark red.
After finishing the surface, the grain texture of amboyna wood has a depth and richness unmatched in other textured woods.
Kingwood 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.
Marquetry is decorative artistry where pieces of material (such as wood, mother of pearl, pewter, brass silver or shell) 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’.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
Our reference: 07982
Please feel free to email or call us to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.
Shipping:
We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge.
A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase.
Delivery and return policy:
We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply.
In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item.
The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition.
Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses.
Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.