Early 19th Century Cupboards

Most antique French furnishings that originated from Normandy were made from oak, which is a durable hardwood that is rather difficult to carve. Based on the rich and artistic décor that graces the cabinet, this buffet deux corps was hand-carved in Normandy in the early 1800’s by a master craftsman. Deux corps (literally “two bodies”) are comprised of two separately carved sections, where the bottom is usually wider than the top, as seen with this cabinet. Our upper body is topped by a slender crown with several layers of molding, including a deep cavetto cornice. The frieze beneath is adorned with a beautifully carved floral margent that emanates from a basket overflowing with flowers, a hallmark of Normandy ebenistes. The upper section has rectangular doors that open on iron hinges, revealing two full-length shelves. There is only one shelf on the lower body, also behind a pair of rectangular doors. It is rare to see a painted interior, but both bodies have been hand-painted a soft French blue slate-gray, matching the exterior paint. All four doors have asymmetrically shaped panels surrounded by floral margents. The luxurious molding of the doors, coupled with the arbalete aprons of the lower body offset the rectilinear nature of the buffet. There are two block feet in the back, with a pair of volute scrolled feet in the front. Both sections of our painted French buffet deux corps...

A wooden cabinet from France, circa 1800. A tall display case with seven shelves sits atop a cabinet. The dark tone and rich polish of the oak makes...

An exceptional early 19th century mahogany wood armoire from the Bordeaux region of France, circa 1810. Arched carved bonnet, two large carved doors, and shaped apron, raised upon ca...

Beautiful 19th century country French Louis XV washed oak buffet deux corps handcrafted by talented artisans of Mont Saint-Michel, an island commune in Normandy. Expertly crafted and...

Stunning Provenzal cupboard in carved and stucco fruit wood , early 19th century , circa 1800 . With 2 drawers in the middle, doors up and down .Wood carved with floral motifs and b...

This Louis XV Style buffet was built in the early 19th century. We are considering it Louis XV style because of the beautiful scrolling rocaille motifs on the two front cabinet doors...

This lovely hand carved walnut Louis XV period armoirette features deep relief carvings including a medallion with vines above the doors and a shell in its lower apron. With solid wa...

A French Louis XV style carved oak buffet à deux-corps from the Eastern part of France, early 19th century. This French oak two-part cupboard features a tall upper cabinet, adorned w...