Louis XVI Style Vitrine
France
19th Century
Cubic parquetry
Mahogany and lemongrass, marble top, bronze details
Cm 160 high x 84 wide x 35 deep
A beautiful 19th century Louis XIV style breakfront vitrine, decorated with a variety of geometric veneer patterns of contrasting shades and grains, including a section of "tumbling block" parquetry on the doors. This three-dimensional cubic pattern is also referred to as "Louis Cubes" because of the motif's popularity during the reign of Louis XIV of France. The sides of the vitrine are decorated with a "four-piece end match" veneer pattern creating an attractive diamond shape, which is surrounded by a delicate inlaid border. The top is a single slab of marble surrounded on three sides by a decorative pierced brass railing, and the vitrine stands sturdily on curved cabriole legs with ormolu decorations. The two locking doors with original glass open to access generous interior storage space divided by three shelves, which are easily removable but have fixed positions (top shelf space height is 34cm, the other three shelf spaces are 28.5cm high).
