Pair of mahogany and ormolu corner cabinets by Grohé Frères

Made in around 1860 in France by Grohé Frères, the renowned firm of cabinetmakers, this pair of corner cabinets is an outstanding example of 19th century cabinetmaking.

Both cabinets are topped with a marble top, beautifully veined, and elegantly coloured in shades of cream, red as well as orange. Below, the mahogany body is decorated with an ormolu band of bead and reel motifs in addition to a paired down ormolu border. Inside the frame is mounted a grapevine and crossed thyrsus escutcheon. The two-door cabinets are adorned identically. The designs are framed in two ormolu borders, one in a beading design. Inside the frames are ornate ormolu mounts in the form of a tied ribbon below which are floral bands and draping. The ormolu detailing is surrounded by four mahogany mounts further adorned with ormolu decoration. The mount terminates with a hanging, which includes musical and natural motifs amongst others. Both doors are lockable and when opened reveal two mahogany shelves.

The sides of both corner cabinets are further mounted with magnificent ormolu mounts, adding to the overall grand appearance of the pieces.

All ormolu mounts are exceptionally well cast, with small details such as the basket weave pattern being clearly visible and recognisable.

The pieces stand on flattened ball feet and are stamped 'GROHÉ A PARIS'.

Established in 1827, Grohé Frères was founded by two brothers, Guillaume and Jean-Michel Grohé. Throughout their career, the firm became the official supplier to French and British royalty, making pieces for Emperor Napoleon III and Queen Victoria. Grohé Frères also exhibited their designs and pieces at international exhibitions. The firm operated until Guillaume’s death in 1884.

This very fine pair of corner cabinets can be purchased alone, or as a set together with this exceptional cabinet of a very similar design, as photographed above.