Overview
A highly decorative antique Victorian burr walnut and marquetry credenza dating from circa 1870, with richly figured veneers, extensive inlaid decoration, gilt-metal detailing and elegant curved glazed display compartments to either side.
The cabinet has the architectural presence associated with high-quality Victorian drawing-room furniture, combining a broad breakfront form with particularly attractive walnut veneers and finely worked decorative detail.
Key Features
- Victorian burr walnut credenza, circa 1870
- Richly figured burr walnut veneers
- Extensive marquetry and inlaid decoration
- Central panelled cupboard door
- Curved glazed display compartments to either side
- Shaped internal display shelves
- Decorative gilt-metal mounts and beading
- Turned architectural columns with gilt-metal enrichments
- Breakfront form with rounded ends
- Decorative inlaid frieze and plinth
- Highly figured walnut top
Craftsmanship & Detail
The centre is dominated by a large panelled cupboard door veneered in beautifully figured burr walnut, carefully arranged to create a dramatic symmetrical composition. Fine marquetry surrounds the panel, incorporating scrolling foliate ornament together with a central geometric motif.
The upper frieze is similarly enriched with delicate inlaid decoration, while slender turned columns with gilt-metal mounts divide the principal sections and add further depth and refinement to the facade.
To either side, curved glazed doors open to reveal shaped display shelves, making the credenza ideal for displaying porcelain, glassware, silver or decorative objects. The bowed outline softens the scale of the cabinet and gives it a particularly elegant profile when viewed from an angle.
The top is finished in highly figured walnut, while the lower plinth features further inlaid geometric detail and decorative metal beading. Together, the burr walnut, marquetry, glazing and metalwork create a richly decorative composition typical of the finest Victorian cabinet furniture.
Credenzas remain one of the most desirable forms of 19th-century English cabinet furniture, particularly when they retain strong decorative character and well-figured veneers such as this example.
Selected by Hawkins Antiques, family antique furniture specialists since the 1960s.
