FRENCH · LOUIS XV REVIVAL · KINGWOOD
An impressive antique French Louis XV Revival kingwood vitrine
display cabinet, distinguished by its serpentine outline, bombe-shaped
lower section and romantic painted panels in the Vernis Martin style.
Richly figured veneers, ornate gilt-metal mounts and an elaborate
pierced crest create a striking decorative composition. Shaped
glazing, a mirrored interior and glass shelving provide an elegant
setting for porcelain, glassware and treasured collections.
Origin
France
Style
Louis XV Revival
Veneers
Kingwood
Decoration
Vernis Martin Style Panels & Gilt-Metal Mounts
Key Characteristics
- Antique French Louis XV Revival vitrine display cabinet
- Richly figured kingwood veneers
- Serpentine outline with a bombe-shaped lower section
- Romantic painted panels in the Vernis Martin style
- Ornate gilt-metal mounts following the cabinet's contours
- Elaborate pierced foliate crest
- Shaped central glazed door with flanking glazed panels
- Glazed sides, mirrored interior and three glass shelves
- Shaped apron and graceful cabriole legs
Craftsmanship & Design
The cabinet combines a tall glazed upper section with a swelling
bombe-shaped lower body. Its flowing outline is emphasised by
kingwood veneers, with diagonal grain patterns bringing movement
and contrast to the surrounding framework.
A shaped central glazed door is flanked by narrower glazed panels,
with further glazing continuing around the sides. Gilt-metal
borders trace the openings, while foliate mounts accentuate the
upper corners and curved lower sections.
Above, the raised central crest incorporates pierced scrollwork,
foliage and shell-like ornament. Below, the shaped apron and
slender cabriole legs continue the curving design, with decorative
mounts extending towards the feet.
Painted Decoration
The lower front is centred by a romantic scene depicting a seated
couple within a landscape, framed by scrolling gilt-metal borders.
Smaller figural panels flank the central composition, carrying
the decorative treatment across the curved frontage.
Executed in the Vernis Martin style, the panels combine warm
golden, brown and muted green tones. Their colouring complements
the reddish-brown kingwood and gilt ornament, giving the cabinet
a richly layered appearance.
Interior & Display
The mirrored interior and three glass shelves allow displayed
objects to be appreciated against a reflective backdrop.
Glazing to the front and sides provides views from several
angles while keeping the display visually open.
The combination of shaped glass, reflective surfaces and finely
outlined framing makes the cabinet particularly suited to
displaying porcelain, small sculptures, glassware and
decorative collections.
Scale & Setting
Measuring 194 cm high and 119 cm wide, the cabinet has a commanding
decorative presence while retaining a depth of 44 cm. Its raised
crest and curved silhouette would make a natural focal point
in a drawing room, dining room or reception space.
Equally effective among traditional French furnishings or within
a contemporary interior, this is a distinctive display piece
combining practical shelving with richly ornamented surfaces.
