Sensational Decorated Liquor Cabinet with Boulle Marquetry. France, Circa 1870

This incredible piece is beautiful French boulle marquetry decanter set or tantalus that dates from the era of Napoleon III. It is made of solid wood and decorated with Boulle marquetry work. The liquor cabinet stands out for its great decorative beauty, ancient age and magnificent condition. It has been carefully restored by a professional and nowadays it looks as beautiful as when it was originally made. Inside the cabinet preserves an impressive Baccarat crystal set, composed of bottles and cups and in perfect condition. The liquor cabinets lid and front side are decorated with the mentioned marquetry panels, depicting intricate abstract motives composed of symmetrical volutes. They are made of tortoise shell and golden brass. This kind of marquetry work was created by André-Charles Boulle, a French artist that lived and worked between the 17th and the 18th centuries. He was a real master and his magnificent pieces are still the most beautiful ever made. His style remained fashionable for decades, thought it also had its ups and downs. The technique consists on cutting several layers of different materials at one time so afterward we can combine the backgrounds and the silhouettes. The liquor cabinet, with an elegant presence, stands on four ormolu legs. The lid and the front side are connected by hinges: when the lid is lifted, the front side folds inside. The cabinets sides open to reveal the impressive Baccarat crystal set, complete and decorated with golden details. Outside, the rest of the piece is covered by a nice ebony-like finish, shiny and deep; inside it is covered by hardwood veneer with a great French-polish finish. Any lover of stylish decorative arts will recognize a real treasure in this liquor cabinet, as beautiful as elegant. Measurements: Width: 12.9 in / 33 cm. Height: 10.2 in / 26 cm.