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Technique: Parquetry
Antique French Marquetry, Ormolu and Jasperware Bureau du Roi by Beurdeley
Located in London, GB
Antique French marquetry, ormolu and jasperware Bureau du Roi by Beurdeley
French, c. 1890
Height 151cm, width 190cm, depth 100cm
The Bureau du Roi, also known as the secrétaire à cylindre, is among the most celebrated masterpieces of 18th century furniture design—an unparalleled example of French craftsmanship and regal opulence. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV in 1760, the project was entrusted to ébéniste du roi Jean-François Oeben (1721–1763). However, Oeben passed away before its completion and his successor, Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806), finalised the desk in 1769.
During the 19th century, several master cabinetmakers sought to replicate this extraordinary creation, including the esteemed Emmanuel Alfred Beurdeley (1847–1919). The present example, produced circa 1890, was exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where it garnered admiration for its exceptional artistry. Following the exhibition, it was acquired by financier George Jay Gould I (1864–1923) and later photographed in the Lakewood, New Jersey residence of his wife, actress Edith Kingdon Gould (1864–1921).
This magnificent desk is crowned with a decorative clock, draped in festoons and accompanied by two playful putti and a finely sculpted dog. Twin ormolu urns rest atop an openwork gallery, leading to additional flower-filled ormolu vases. Flanking the central roll-top panel are finely cast ormolu figures of Apollo and Calliope, each supporting a twin-light scrolling acanthus candelabrum.
With a turn of a key, the roll-top slides open to reveal an exquisite arrangement of three pull-out shelves and three drawers, each front panel adorned with delicate ormolu banding and intricate floral trellis parquetry. A gilt-tooled leather writing surface unfolds, featuring a pop-up central panel that lifts to reveal a folding folio stand alongside three additional storage compartments. Below, a central kneehole drawer, embellished with an ormolu bow, is flanked by twin-divided drawers, all decorated with finely detailed floral marquetry.
Every aspect of this Bureau du Roi is a testament to superior craftsmanship, featuring elaborate marquetry and parquetry designs. The upper section consists of three panels, with the tambour roll-top inlaid with intricate mythological motifs. Two side medallions bear Latin inscriptions drawn from Cesare Ripa’s Iconologia (1555–1622): NON. NISI. GRANDIA. CANTO. / IRRIDENS. CUSPIDE. FIGO. and BREVI. COMPLECTOR. SINGULA. CANO / PASTORUM. CARMINA. LUDO. These decorative elements, along with the marquetry on the roll-top and upper surfaces, celebrate the arts, literature, and architecture.
The bombé sides of the desk are richly decorated with marquetry panels depicting symbols of both naval and terrestrial warfare, framed by elegant ormolu laurel swags. These ornamental details complement a series of exquisite blue and white Wedgwood Jasperware medallions...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Rare Antique American Renaissance Extension Library Table, Signed
By Seng
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique American Renaissance Revival style carved walnut extension table by Seng, Chicago, Illinois. circa 1920/1930
Born in the United States in the early 20th century, featuring a rare and unusual form and extension mechanism. Slightly lift the rectangular top and the slide the mechanical horizontal draw-leaf style extensions to expand the the width of the top, morphing the library table / sofa console into a kitchen table / dining table.
Having a bookmatched burl wood, oak and walnut banded, parquetry inlay top, molded apron with dovetailed frieze drawer, rising on turned urn baluster-form standards, over shaped stretcher joined trestle base with twist ornamentation, resting on bun feet, signed, stamp to frame under top.
Dimensions: (approx)
31" High, 54" Wide, 23.5" Deep
Extended: 37.5" Deep
Provenance / Acquisition:
John Phifer Marrs collection.
Important auction house J. Garrett Auctioneers, Dallas, Texas, May 2021 catalog, presented a special curated collection from John Phifer Marrs, premier Southern interior designer known for an elegant, fresh and inviting design method, often called The New Southern Style...
Category
Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Burl
Antique Slant-Front Drafting Desk Writing Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and exceptionally inlaid antique slant-front drafting desk. circa 1900
Hand-crafted in the early 20th century, likely French, one piece desk on frame form, having a sloped fr...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XVI Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ebony, Kingwood, Mahogany, Maple, Palisander, Rosewood, Burl, Felt
Guillerme et Chambron French Oak Desk/ Low Table
Located in North Miami, FL
This truly perfect size table for a writing desk also converts in to a LOWER console table height piece. The lovely parquet top is classic Chambron and although it has side extensio...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
French Art Deco Writing Table with Two Side Drawers
Located in Hanover, MA
French Art Deco writing table or desk with two side drawers, maple parquet top, rounded (subtly octagonal) oak legs with elegant feet, in...
Category
1940s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple, Oak
19th Century French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
19th century French Louis XV style ormolu mounted writing desk
French, Late 19th Century
Height 100cm, width 121cm, depth 66cm
Crafted in the late 19th century, this writing desk i...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Early 19th Century Louis XVI Style Gentleman's Bureau Dressing Table Vanity Desk
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and exceptional large French speckled plum pudding mahogany rosewood marble ormolu flip-top mirrored gentleman's bureau dressing table / writing desk (poudreuse coiffeuse de t...
Category
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Lady's Secretary Desk, Millet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very fine French 19th century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood, Satinwood and Fruitwood Parquetry Kidney-Shaped secrétaire de dame (Lady's desk or writing table) with an enam...
Category
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
A Napoleon III Parquetry Pedestal Desk By Guillaume Grohé
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Important Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Parquetry Pedestal Desk, By Guillaume Grohé. France, Circa 1860.
Stamped to the top edge of one door 'GROHE FRERES...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Lady's Secretary Desk, Millet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very fine French 19th century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood, Satinwood and Fruitwood Parquetry Kidney-Shaped secrétaire de dame (Lady's Desk) with an enamel dial clock and...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Wonderful 18th Century French Roll Top Desk (Cylinder Bureau)
Located in Poole, GB
Wonderful 18th Century French Roll Top Desk ( cylinder bureau )
A very elegant and with great proportions, late 18th century French walnut and pa...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique French Louis XVI Bronze Mounted Writing Table
Located in Forney, TX
A striking French antique Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted writing table made after the model by cabinetmaker to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinetteean, important ébéniste Jean-Henri Riesener (German/French, 1734-1806) and later reproduced by Francois Linke (French, 1855-1946). Signed bronze mounts, Marco.
Born in France in the early 19th century, possibly during the late 18th century Louis XVI period, most likely Parisian work, exquisitely hand-crafted in several woods of contrasting colors including walnut and mahogany to create fine wooden inlays and parquetry detailing. The original partially inset marble top with dramatic veining sits above a flat sided break-fronted front and back adorned with fine bas-relief bronze plaques cast adorned with putti cherubs in the manner of the French sculptor Clodion (Claude Michel, 1738-1814).
The centered front bronze panel disguises a single frieze drawer with dovetail joinery and original key, flanked by gilded bronze foliate mounted rounded corners, a simulated panel drawer to the reverse, embellished on all four sides by intricate finely chiseled, chased and sculpted scrolling laurel ribbon and garland swag ormolu mounts, patinated brass running ornamentation, rising elegantly on four bronze dore ring mounted straight tapering fluted legs, terminating in patinated bronze toupie feet sabots. Signed / marks; the bronzes are stamped / incised Marco.
PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION:
Property from the Collection of Gloria Monnet Nicholson, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Acquired from highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. Fine Furniture & Decorative Arts Signature Auction, catalog #8085.
Dimensions: (approx)
30" High, 32" Wide 21.5" Deep
As warm and attractive as it is useful, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a side table, petite bureau...
Category
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Antique French Parquetry and Bronze Cartonnier Writing Desk with Clock
Located in London, GB
Cartonnier in the Louis XVI Manner after the Original by Simon Oeben
Constructed in kingwood and having extensive parquetry inlay, with well cast and extensive fire gilt bronze enhancements. The writing section of oblong form with re-entrant corners, housing three frieze drawers and with a tooled brown leather top; the shouldered tapering legs dressed with imbricated bronze mounts: lions masks at the ends: the frame having a guard bronze rail...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Maison Forest Signed French Louis XVI Style Writing Table - Late 19th Century
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and very fine quality 19th century French bureau plat by renowned Parisian ébéniste Maison Forest.
Maison Forest is one of the most famous french cabinetmakers of the 19th a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Mahogany Writing Table
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in Astoria, NY
Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Mahogany and Tulipwood Parquetry Writing Table, after the model by Jean-Henri Riesener, late 19th century, the parquetry inlaid top with a three-quarte...
Category
Late 19th Century European Louis XVI Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
$3,680 Sale Price
20% Off
A French 19th Century Louis XV Style Kingwood Parquetry Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Kingwood and Tulipwood Parquetry and Figural Ormolu Mounted Ladies Writing Desk with Figures of Ram-Heads. The lockplate by Thomas Elsley Lt...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
$9,450 Sale Price
24% Off
A Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat by François Linke
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XV Style gilt-bronze mounted bureau plat by François Linke.
The rectangular top inset with a green leather writing surface with gilt-tooled border, within a gilt-bronze su...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
A Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Table by François Linke
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Table by François Linke.
Signed to the bronze rim ‘Linke’.
Linke Index Number. 593.
This rare table can serve as a desk, dressing table or o...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Louis XV Style French Kingwood Parquetry and Gilt Bronze Bureau Plat 'Desk'
By Jean-Pierre Latz
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late 19th century French Bureau Plat in kingwood and amaranth parquetry with three drawers to one side with gilt bronze decoration all round; notable are the drawer handles modelled with Chinese heads; the two ends decorated with Apollo heads...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
Palatial Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Parquetry Bureau-François Linke
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Very Special and Palatial Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany and Bois Satine Parquetry Bureau a Cylindre By François Linke
François Linke – Index Numbe...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Parquetry Bureau Plat After Cressent
By Charles Cressent
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Fantastic Late 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Inlaid Parquetry Bureau Plat
The rectangular top with gilt-tooled leather writing-surface within a molded border and...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Large Louis XV Style 19th Century Bureau Plat
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century French kingwood parquetry inlaid Louis XV style freestanding bureau plate. Having an inset leather top, five oak lined drawers to one side, dummy dra...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Rare and Very Special Late 19th Century Bureau by François Linke
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Rare and Very Special Late 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Two Tier Kidney Shaped Bureau By François Linke
François Linke
The upper case with shaped top, surmount...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French Louis XVI Style Parquetry Desk
Located in Pembroke, MA
A high-quality French Louis XVI style desk with geometric parquetry in mahogany with gilt-bronze mounts, including swags at the corners. The desk has three drawers with working locks...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Victorian Carved Oak Draw Leaf Library Table, England, c. 1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Victorian oak draw-leaf library table features a parquet top and bold carved griffin supports. The apron is detailed with hand carved trim, adding texture and depth. Its sculptu...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
19th Century Louis XV Style Walnut Parquetry Writing Table with Brush Slide
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a lovely mellow 19th century French Louis XV style writing table with a parquetry top and a large concealed leather-inset brush slide that projects 19 inches in depth and 43 ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
A Louis XVI Style Parquetry Inlaid Writing Table By Emmanuel Zwiener
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bois Satiné Parquetry Inlaid Writing Table, By Emmanuel Zwiener, Paris.
The top of gilt-tooled tan leather surrounded by a stiff-leaf cast edge...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Ormolu-Mounted Marquetry Roll-Top Desk Attributed to P. Bernard
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in London, GB
After the model by Jean-Henri Riesener (French, 1734-1806).
Of the Napoleon III period, in the Louis XVI style, with fruitwood and ebony inlaid in bois de citronnier, mahogany and amaranth, with a three-quarter galleried rectangular top above a roll-top, opening to reveal a leather-lined writing slide with four short drawers and five pigeon holes, the frieze centred by a push button drawer...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Regence Style Trellis Parquetry Bureau Plat by François Linke, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Magnificent Regence Style gilt bronze Mounted Trellis Parquetry Bureau Plat by François Linke.
French, circa 1890.
Linke Index No. 795.
Signed to the gilt bronze border ‘F....
Category
Late 19th Century French Régence Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Porcelain and Ormolu Mounted Bonheur Du Jour by Donald Ross
By Donald Ross
Located in London, GB
Porcelain and ormolu mounted bonheur du jour by Donald Ross.
English, late 19th century.
Measures: height 136cm, width 108cm, depth 62cm
This beautifu...
Category
Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Parquetry, Ormolu and Leather Bureau Plat by Ross
By Donald Ross
Located in London, GB
Antique parquetry, ormolu and leather bureau plat by Ross
English, 19th Century
Height 76cm, width 120cm, depth 69cm
Made by the renowned English furniture maker Donald Ross, this desk is a demonstration of some of his finest work.
The desk is decorated with the iconic dotted parquetry trellis, and the centre is inset with a brown leather panel. Gold, debossed detailing adorns the border of the leather panel, its soft texture providing a smooth surface on which to write. An ormolu border frames the desk table top, the four edges mounted with motifs of male bearded masks among acanthus leaves.
Below are two lockable drawers, each one decorated in a similar manner to the desk table top. The pair of storage compartments are separated by a central ormolu mount cast in the form of flowing acanthus leaves and foliage garlands.
Four tapering legs support the desk, each one terminating in socket castors marked ‘JC’. Ross’ masterpiece is also labelled with a brass label ‘KG 8913’.
In the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is a bedside table by Donald Ross of a very similar design to the desk in Mayfair Gallery...
Category
19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
1960's Anglo Chinese Bamboo Parquet Hardwood Campaign Desk
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous stained bamboo and hardwood campaign desk with five drawers. Finely detailed parquet work on top, sides and back of desk. Solid brass curved handles. Brass sabot detail to c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
A French Directoire Style Ormolu Parquetry Bureauplat, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Directoire Style Ormolu Parquetry Bureauplat, Early 20th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection.
Description:
The rectangular top of parquetry finely inset wi...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Louis XV Style Parquetry Inlaid Writing-Table by François Linke, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XV Style gilt bronze-mounted parquetry inlaid writing-table, by François Linke.
French, circa 1890.
Stamped 'FL' to the reverse of the centre bronze mounts to the front...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu & Vernis Martin Desk, Attr. Majorelle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted Satinwood Parquetry and Vernis Martin Style Lady's Petit Writing Table Desk, attributed to Louis Majorelle (French, 1859...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
$15,750 Sale Price
20% Off
French Louis XV Style Parquetry Table Desk
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV style (20th Century) desk with a parquetry inlaid top and gilt bronze trim with a single drawer.
Category
20th Century French Louis XV Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian Parquetry Inlaid Writing Table Desk, 18th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
An exceptional parquetry inlaid writing table with Neoclassical designs, inlay with satinwood, black walnut, and fruitwood. Having a single center drawer, and supported on tapering l...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fruitwood, Satinwood, Walnut
19th Century French Secretaire Flap "Billet Doux", Also Called "Portfolio"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Secretaire flap "Billet douce", also called "portfolio"
Veneer of Amboyna burl, rosewood and blackened sticks, resting on two pilasters carried by two fluted pads connected by a turned and fluted spacer.
It opens with a flap, Interior in lemontree presenting, in addition to a tablet sheathed in leather, mail lockers and a pen tray with its original glass tank...
Category
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Parquetry Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$4,132 Sale Price
20% Off
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