A visually striking Napoleon III Second Empire Period (1852-1870) burled amboyna French cave à liqueur & decanter service set.
Mid-19th century, France, almost certainly Parisian work, a highly decorative object of practical use as well as beauty, fine quality craftsmanship, detailing and luxurious materials, featuring a breakfront wooden case with canted corners, executed in rare and exotic mottled burl amboyna, precious kingwood, walnut cross-banding, intricate mother-of-pearl, abalone, ebony, kingwood and more checkered string banded inlays, accented with fiolate incised brass trim; having a safety hinged mechanism lift top and front panel, flanked by a pair of hinged swing out door panels, all opening to reveal a stunning interior finished in dark rich violet purpleheart, housing a removable serving tray with ornate gilt-bronze ormolu handled cradle, fitted with fine quality glassware set attributed to the celebrated crystal maker and luxury house Baccarat, comprised of four etched and cut glass decanters in Neoclassical meandering Greek key pattern, with stoppers, and twelve stemmed cordial drinking glasses. circa 1860s
Please note, one stopper is the correct matching pattern but it sits low in the decanter.
Dimensions: (approx)
Closed: 11.75" High, 13.5" Wide, 11" Deep;
Open: 19" High, 25.5" Wide, 13" Deep
14lbs total
**Additional photos available upon request**
CONDITION REPORT:
Overall a wonderful example, in good antique condition with nicely aged warm rich patina. Attractive appearance, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Retaining original antique character and charm throughout, wear consistent with 160 years of age and use, including age related separation split to top, possibe evidence of old restorations or fill, typical minor nicks, scuffs, scratches, minor losses, typical wear. The glassware is in original antique condition, with expected wear but no signs of damage, cracks or chips. One stopper sitting low in decanter. Delivered cleaned, waxed, ready for use!
Perfectly imperfect, it's easy to find beauty in the flaws, this set pesents well, with nothing that detracts from the display or functionality but only adds to the distinctive wabi-sabi character, charm, sophisticated elegance, warmth, classic refinement, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time!
Keywords:
After dinner dessert liqueur service set tantalus bar...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Tulipwood Barware
MaterialsCrystal, Brass, Ormolu, Bronze
