Hardstone and Boulle mounted ebonised wood credenza

This superb furniture piece is crafted from ebonised wood. Its surfaces are adorned with a variety of decorative forms such as Boulle style marquetry and hardstone inlays.

The central door of the cabinet is beautifully decorated with a multi-coloured hardstone design arranged to depict a floral and fruit composition, tied with a cream-coloured ribbon. A charming bird is depicted seating on one of the branches and a butterfly is seen flying towards the foliage. Flowers such as lily of the valley and forget me nots are paired with cherries and pears. The composition is framed in an oval ormolu frame, surmounted with a large, flowing ribbon. All four corners of the door are set with an ormolu cartouche, each filled with Boulle première-partie marquetry of brass inlaid into tortoiseshell.

The curved glazed doors of the two side flanking cabinets open to reveal luxurious velvet lined shelves. All compartments are lockable. The top frieze of the credenza is mounted with further geometrical ormolu mounts. The columns between the three doors feature ormolu capitals and bases, inspired by the design of the Corinthian column. Linear brass banding is used to highlight elements such as curves.

The piece stands on four toupie ormolu mounted feet.

The large array of materials and decorative techniques used to craft this wonderful credenza is a demonstration of some of the highest quality late 19th century cabinetmaking.