Kingwood and Marquetry Bureau Plat in the French Taste

A mid-Victorian free-standing kingwood marquetry bureau plat in the French taste, the shaped top inset with a burgundy leather within a solid ormolu border above a frieze with three disguised drawers decorated with a kingwood, mahogany and ebony floral trellis, all raised upon four cabriole legs, applied throughout with superb quality ormolu mounts of stippled strapwork, fleshy acanthus scrolls and lion’s paw feet. English, circa 1865.

It was very fashionable in the second half of the 19th century for the wealthy to decorate and furnish their houses in the French taste. The great cabinet makers at the time included Gillows, Howard and Sons and latterly Maples, who all became household names as well as a by word for quality.  The overall quality of this piece, the mahogany drawer liners, the double throw locks and the abundance of ormolu would all indicate that it was made but just such a firm probably Holland and Sons.