Exceptional oak serving console (18th century). Magnificent work

This exceptional solid oak console table, entirely carved in the 18th century, is in fact a fireplace mantel - but it is of such craftsmanship that it has all the trappings of a console table. It comes from a millstone in the paris region, where it has spent the last 100 years, but it is much older. It is a piece of furniture loaded with symbolism because the garland of fruits and vegetables that makes up the carved front represents a cornucopia. By ordering such a piece of furniture, a unique custom-made piece, one hoped to ward off bad luck and attract abundance to one's home. The two thick legs are magnificent: mounted on plinths, they feature an imposing floral ball at the foot, and a row of pearls that rises in a full curve to the top where a juicy bunch of grapes greets the eye. The interior is just as ornate as the exterior, including an imposing rose window and thick antique leaves that spread languidly over the wood. The latter, solid oak, has a magnificent patina. The array of fruits and vegetables represents a pear, an ear of corn, a turnip, grapes, a pine cone, etc. In its center, a medallion provides a beautiful space for a coat of arms that displays the initials of the person who commissioned this piece of furniture - we see an l and an a. These are not noble coats of arms, only initials - so it was probably "only" a wealthy merchant. There are also two adorable little drawers that slide under the top (probably, given their size, to hold the long matches to light the fire). The top, with its elaborate shape, is thick and visually quite fascinating. The piece of furniture can be dismantled into 4 parts which can then be fitted together very easily. Wear and tear and restorations, but excellent general condition. L: 100 cm. D: 46 cm. H: 98 cm.