Magnificent Antique Decorated Liquor Cabinet with Boulle Machetery. France, Circa 1870

Gorgeous piece made in France circa 1879: a delicate tantalus cabinet original from the era of Napoleon III, decorated with Boulle marquetry. This impressive article is in excellent condition, having been fully restored in order to shine in all its glory. The combination of the three colors (red tortoise shell, golden and black) creates a luxurious and aristocratic piece. Inside there is a complete and delicate Baccarat crystal set adorned with golden details. The marquetry work that covers the piece corresponds to the style created by André-Charles Boulle, an artist and artisan that lived and work between the 17th and the 18th centuries. In his works Boulle used beautiful and rich materials such as bone, ebony, tortoise shell, lapis lazuli He created great combinations that no other artist has ever been able to overcome. The technique used to create the panels consists on putting together several layers of different materials in a sandwich-like disposition. The artist puts a drawing over the pack and cuts the pieces in order to combine different backgrounds and silhouettes. This small liquor cabinet is a good example of the great results the Boulle technique can offer. The cabinet boasts a balanced rectangular shape with top lid, abatable front connected to the lid by hinges and opening side panels. It stands on four ormolu legs. Inside it is covered by shiny wood, finished with a great French-polish finish that provides the material with a charming satin glow. The spectacular crystal set is complete and shows no flaws at all. The crystal pieces are disposed in a wooden tray with compartments and a central handle. The user can grab the handle in order to remove the complete set easily. The tray can be expanded for comfort, something that is quite rare in these pieces. Its undeniable beauty and ancient age turn this liquor cabinet into an impressive piece, perfect to decorate the most stylish living room. Measurements: Width: 12.9 in / 33 cm. Height: 10.6 in / 27 cm.