Boulle marquetry side table, Napoleon III period – mid 19th century

Elegant Napoleon III period side cabinet, adorned with sumptuous "Boulle" marquetry, named after Charles-André Boulle, master cabinetmaker to King Louis XIV, who brought this refined technique of inlaid brass to its peak. The ornamentation unfolds generously here: at the top, on the front and along the uprights, finely cut brass stands out against a background of darkened pear wood, creating a contrast of great nobility. The motifs, composed of intertwined scrolls, scrollwork, and arabesques, testify to remarkably precise craftsmanship. The cabinet opens with a door that swings to the right, accentuated at the corners by four concave elements and enhanced with bronze fittings. It is equipped with an ornate key and a perfectly functional lock. In the centre, a large medallion stands out, encircled by an important bronze moulding decorated with leaves and beads. The interior, in mahogany, houses two shelves of the same wood. The whole is enriched with abundant bronze decoration: sculpted drops depicting female allegories at the top of the uprights, various fittings punctuating the front and sides, not to mention the inlaid brass fillets that delicately highlight the lines of the cabinet. It is crowned with its original veined white Carrara marble, whose pure brilliance further enhances the richness of the whole. An exceptional piece, a testament to two centuries of craftsmanship, this cabinet will bring a sumptuous and timeless presence to your interior. Period: Napoleon III, mid-19th century. Excellent condition after restoration in our workshop. Some slightly visible restorations on the front. Finish: shellac varnish. Height: 105 cm. Width: 80 cm. Depth: 38 cm. Reference 323V.