French Napoleon III Ebonised Brass & Tortoiseshell Boulle & Marble Pier Cabinet

An exceptional French Napoleon III period ebonised pier cabinet with fine brass and tortoiseshell Boulle inlay, dating from circa 1852–1870. The piece is in excellent condition and displays intricate, symmetrical arabesque-style Boulle work to the front — a superb example of 19th-century craftsmanship. The exterior is richly detailed with brass accents and inlay across the front, sides, and frieze. To the front corners are two finely cast brass female figures representing classical forms, with further classical masks to each side. The cabinet stands on substantial bun feet with decorative brass beading around the base, and is topped with a beautifully figured marble surface. About Boulle Inlay Boulle work, named after the master French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle (1642–1732), is a highly skilled decorative technique combining thin layers of brass, pewter, and tortoiseshell to create elaborate patterns and motifs. The tortoiseshell provides a warm translucent base, often tinted red, through which the brass designs shimmer. This cabinet features an exceptional red tortoiseshell plaque that enhances the depth and richness of the inlay — a hallmark of fine 19th-century French craftsmanship.

Estimate:£4,500

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