Étagère - Ebony, Macassar Ebony, Gilt bronze

Elegant antique French three-tier étagère / whatnot, dating from the Napoleon III period, circa 1870–1890. This refined piece stands 81 cm high and features three rectangular shelves supported by slender ebonised wooden columns. Each shelf incorporates a contrasting dark panel embellished with delicate wood marquetry, creating three different naturalistic compositions. The upper tier is decorated with an elaborate fruit, vine and foliage motif, while the middle shelf features a charming bird amongst flowering branches and the lower shelf displays further botanical decoration. Particularly attractive are the original-style gilt-brass details, including finely decorated edging, ornamental corner finials and an elegant pierced gallery surrounding three sides of the upper tier. The combination of warm wood, dark ebonised elements, intricate marquetry and aged gilt brass is characteristic of the richly decorative French furniture produced during the Napoleon III period.

Estimate:£466.18

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