{"product_id":"antique-french-kingwood-bonheur-du-jour-writing-desk-with-ormolu-mounts-porcelain-plaques-c-1880","title":"Antique French Kingwood Bonheur Du Jour Writing Desk With Ormolu Mounts \u0026 Porcelain Plaques c.1880","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional antique French Kingwood Bonheur Du Jour writing desk dating from circa 1880, showcasing the elegance, craftsmanship, and decorative refinement that made French cabinet making world-renowned during the late 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeautifully veneered in richly figured kingwood, this charming ladies' writing desk is adorned with finely cast gilt-bronze ormolu mounts and exquisite hand-painted porcelain plaques depicting cherubs and floral bouquets. The quality of the veneers, combined with the elaborate ormolu decoration and elegant proportions, creates a piece of remarkable visual appeal from every angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntique French Bonheur Du Jour writing desk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirca 1880\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautifully figured kingwood veneers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine gilt-bronze ormolu mounts throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand-painted porcelain plaques\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePair of cupboard doors to upper section\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo small drawers beneath the cabinet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCentral drawer to lower section\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePull-out blue velvet lined writing slide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElegant Louis XV Revival styling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraceful cabriole legs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWonderful decorative proportions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCraftsmanship \u0026amp; Detail\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe upper cabinet section provides useful storage behind a pair of cupboard doors, each beautifully decorated with hand-painted porcelain plaques depicting cherubs, framed within ornate ormolu mounts. Beneath are two useful drawers offering additional storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe lower section incorporates a central drawer together with a practical pull-out writing slide lined in luxurious blue velvet, creating a convenient writing surface whilst preserving the desk's refined appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout the piece, the kingwood veneers display exceptional colour, figure, and movement. The shaped serpentine outlines, finely cast ormolu mounts, floral porcelain plaques, and elegant cabriole legs combine to create a desk of remarkable decorative presence and craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Appeal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Bonheur Du Jour embodies the luxurious Louis XV Revival taste that remained highly fashionable amongst affluent French households during the Belle Époque period. Designed as an elegant writing desk for ladies, these pieces offered practical storage whilst serving as highly decorative furniture within sophisticated interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToday they remain amongst the most sought-after forms of French antique furniture, admired for their versatility, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eInvestment Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFine French Bonheur Du Jour desks remain increasingly desirable amongst collectors, interior designers, and antique investors. Examples retaining their original porcelain plaques, ormolu mounts, and quality kingwood veneers are becoming increasingly difficult to source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir decorative appeal, practical functionality, and finite supply continue to support strong long-term collectability and investment potential.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hawkins Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63795578831225,"sku":null,"price":3100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/6633\/8937\/files\/DSCF6349_f37f6995-e614-4694-aad4-b601e7dffcef.jpg?v=1781795028","url":"https:\/\/hawkinsantiques.com\/products\/antique-french-kingwood-bonheur-du-jour-writing-desk-with-ormolu-mounts-porcelain-plaques-c-1880","provider":"Hawkins Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}