A 17th century Walnut veneered Ladies table bureau of superb subtle quality, form and execution.
When closed we see a top surface of mirror matched veneers of pollarded walnut, the outside edge being cross banded in walnut separating the two is a walnut ‘feather’ banding (used on quality pieces of veneered furniture) The fall flap is of similar construction to the top featuring wonderful mirror matched veneers, feather banding and cross banding. The edge being bull nose moulded. The lower single drawer is superbly shaped with three sunken arches and two square veneered panels finished to the edges with feather banding, mirroring the top and fall. Either side of the drawer is a ‘lopper’ to support the fall when pulled out. Around the base above the perfectly formed original bun feet is an ‘ovolo’ mould constructed in sections from ‘burr’ timber. The two ends also have matched veneers. The back is one piece, inset and of oak.
Unlocking and opening the fall flap onto the extended loppers we see the inside of flap is again veneered in mirror matched walnut of striking grain. The interior is stepped with five drawers, two on each side and one in the centre. All the interior drawer fronts are of burr walnut shaped and cut from the solid. Above the interior centre drawer are three Pigeon holes. The oak lined drawers have their original small knob handles. The flap has it’s original brass fall hinges and small working brass lock. The bottom board is of one piece of oak.
To sum up this is a superb Diminutive table bureau in outstanding original condition with the most glorious untouched patination. The size, proportion and form are excellent, the size rare as they are usually larger with much less detail. Perhaps a usable apprentice piece of the day or just a special order, who knows, but it is a rare survivor in this condition. Circa 1690
38 cm’s wide x 22 high x 24 deep (closed)
A 17th century Walnut veneered Ladies table bureau of superb subtle quality, form and execution.
When closed we see a top surface of mirror matched veneers of pollarded walnut, the outside edge being cross banded in walnut separating the two is a walnut ‘feather’ banding (used on quality pieces of veneered furniture) The fall flap is of similar construction to the top featuring wonderful mirror matched veneers, feather banding and cross banding. The edge being bull nose moulded. The lower single drawer is superbly shaped with three sunken arches and two square veneered panels finished to the edges with feather banding, mirroring the top and fall. Either side of the drawer is a ‘lopper’ to support the fall when pulled out. Around the base above the perfectly formed original bun feet is an ‘ovolo’ mould constructed in sections from ‘burr’ timber. The two ends also have matched veneers. The back is one piece, inset and of oak.
Unlocking and opening the fall flap onto the extended loppers we see the inside of flap is again veneered in mirror matched walnut of striking grain. The interior is stepped with five drawers, two on each side and one in the centre. All the interior drawer fronts are of burr walnut shaped and cut from the solid. Above the interior centre drawer are three Pigeon holes. The oak lined drawers have their original small knob handles. The flap has it’s original brass fall hinges and small working brass lock. The bottom board is of one piece of oak.
To sum up this is a superb Diminutive table bureau in outstanding original condition with the most glorious untouched patination. The size, proportion and form are excellent, the size rare as they are usually larger with much less detail. Perhaps a usable apprentice piece of the day or just a special order, who knows, but it is a rare survivor in this condition. Circa 1690
38 cm’s wide x 22 high x 24 deep (closed)
