Overview
A magnificent antique French amboyna and ebonised bonheur du jour dating from circa 1870, richly conceived in the Napoleon III taste and displaying an exceptional combination of exotic timber, painted porcelain decoration, gilt-metal ornament and mirrored detailing.
The impressive architectural superstructure is centred by a tall arched mirror, flanked by two enclosed cupboards and finished with pierced gilt-metal galleries. Richly figured amboyna panels are framed against contrasting ebonised sections, producing the dramatic colour, depth and decorative presence associated with fine French furniture of the period.
Key Features
- French bonheur du jour dating from circa 1870
- Richly figured amboyna veneers
- Contrasting ebonised decoration
- Numerous painted porcelain plaques
- Oval portrait plaques to the cupboard doors
- Central arched mirror
- Pierced gilt-metal galleries
- Extensive gilt-metal mounts and decorative detailing
- Opening writing section with fitted storage
- Shaped lower shelves with mirrored backing
- Raised on castors for ease of positioning
Craftsmanship & Detail
Particularly striking is the extensive use of painted porcelain plaques. Oval portrait panels decorate the cupboard doors, while numerous smaller floral plaques are incorporated throughout the frieze, supports and decorative framework.
The porcelain decoration is enhanced by gilt-metal mounts, fine line inlay and architectural detailing, all set against the strong contrast of richly figured amboyna and ebonised surfaces.
The central writing section opens to provide a practical writing surface, accompanied by useful storage drawers. Below, the open lower structure incorporates shaped shelves and mirrored panels, adding further light and decorative interest to the composition.
The tall central mirror and flanking cupboards create a particularly architectural silhouette, while the pierced galleries and gilt-metal ornament provide additional richness when viewed from different angles.
Its combination of amboyna, ebonised detailing, porcelain plaques, mirrored surfaces and gilt-metal ornament makes this an exceptionally decorative example of nineteenth-century French furniture with strong collector and interior-design appeal.
Offered by Hawkins Antiques, family antique furniture specialists since the 1960s.
