Object Description
These two display cabinets are ‘metamorphic’ pieces of furniture. This means that each can either be used as a raised display cabinet, or can be taken apart and used as a console table and cabinet independently. ‘Metamorphic’ items were considered ingenious displays of engineering in the 18th Century, when they first appeared, and they continued to be popular well into the 20th Century.
The pieces have mahogany frames, which are decorated with parquetry designs and gilt bronze mounts.
The console table part of each item has four straight, fluted legs, which stand on a lower shelf, raised up on four pointed feet. The edge of the shelves and fillets within the fluting on the legs are articulated by gilt bronze mounts. Above, the table tops are similarly outlined in gilt bronze, and fitted with two drawers. The drawers are decorated with parquetry designs and fitted with gilt bronze half-square handles. A decorative, gilt-bronze-mounted apron occupies the space below the drawers.
The display cabinets above have mahogany frames, with corners which are fluted and decorated with gilt bronze mounts, in a similar style to the tables. The cabinets are velvet-lined, and each is fitted with four glass shelves. The cases are glazed, allowing the beholder to view the items stored within. The cabinet doors can be locked using a key. Like the table tops, the cabinet tops feature parquetry friezes, which are framed by bands of gilt bronze.
These cabinets will be perfect for displaying antique objects, books, or other precious item. As metamorphic pieces of furniture, they are very versatile, and can be moved about and used for a variety of purposes in the home.
The dimensions of the pieces in the various forms are as follows:
Console tables- Height 82cm, width 108.5cm, depth 42cm
Display cabinets- Height 150cm, width 109cm, depth 31cm
Combined (main image)- Height 232cm, width 109cm, depth 42cm