Object Description
An elegant pair of antique French mahogany and ormolu mounted parquetry bedside chests, circa 1870 in date.
The rectangular cabinets are free standing and surmounted with grey veined white marble tops above a single frieze drawer over a cupboard fitted with a porcelain semi convex interior. With superb parquetry doors flanked by ormolu mounted columns decorated with ribbons.
They are raised on turned and fluted tapering supports terminating in gilt bronze caps.
Add an elegant touch to your home with these lovely bedside chests.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 82 cm x Width 43 cm x Depth 43 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 8 inches x Width 1 foot, 5 inches x Depth 1 foot, 5 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 richly coloured mahogany and sometimes other tropical hardwoods are also used.
Our reference: A4803