Antique French Bonheur du Jour in Kingwood with Marquetry c.1850

Ref: 07451

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We are very pleased to be able to offer this rare Antique French kingwood and marquetry inlaid Bonheur du Jour, or Ladies Writing Desk, for sale.

Our experts have dated it to around 1850 and have assessed it as being in truly excellent condition, as you can see from the photographs supplied. This lovely desk features cut brass and purpleheart inlays and there are a number of superb ormolu mounts making it a perfect example of quality design.

This antique bonheur de jour really is a very fine example of just how good kingwood can look and the inlay work is clearly that of an accomplished craftsman who was used to working with such top quality and valuable materials. This French bonheur de jour features a pair of glazed doors at the top which open to give access to a shelf. The interior has been expertly relined in a sumptuous burgundy damask.

There is a bombe’ shaped fall which opens to reveal an inset green leather writing surface which features a gold tooled, embossed edge detail. Also revealed are the three spacious drawers which provide useful storage for your stationery and other office items. Behind the fall you will find two hidden slides that provide access to the well.

The table is mounted on elegant, swept cabriole legs and we are pleased to confirm that it is supplied with its original locks and keys.

As you would expect, all of the decorative escutcheons are original as are all the ormolu mounts. These items have all been skillfully cast and gilded and are all in very good, original condition as can be seen from the photographs.

More Information and To View

You are very welcome to email us or call us using the contact details shown above with any questions you might have about this French bonheur du jour. We would also be delighted to arrange a viewing of this item at our North London warehouse, just email or call for an appointment quoting our reference as shown above so we know which large dining table you are referring to.

The showroom is open from 10am to 5pm every weekday and on occasional Saturdays - please call first before making a journey on a Saturday.

Shipping, Delivery and Return

This is a fine antique bonheur de jour which has remained in great condition since the 1800’s and it requires careful packing and shipping in order to remain in such a lovely state. We can ship to any destination worldwide and will take care of the packing for you, but please do call or email for a quotation before purchasing the item so that we can fully discuss your requirements. We ship to any mainland UK address free of charge.

If you are not satisfied with the item we offer a 14-day money back guarantee in accordance with the Distance Selling Regulations. You will be responsible for the return shipping fees for this bonheur de jour, unless we have erroneously described the item in some material way and you do not receive what you were expecting. You must return the item in its original packaging and condition.

Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the United Kingdom.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 138 x Width 88 x Depth 55

Dimensions in inches:

Height 4 foot, 6 inches x Width 2 foot, 11 inches x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches

Angelica Kauffman, RA (1741 - 1807)

was a Swiss-born Austrian Neoclassical painter who had a successful career in London and Rome. Though born as "Kauffmann", Kauffman is the preferred spelling of her name in English; it is the form she herself used most in signing her correspondence, documents and paintings.

While Kauffman produced many types of art, she identified herself primarily as a history painter, an unusual designation for a woman artist in the 18th century. History painting, was considered the most elite and lucrative category in academic painting during this time period. Under the direction of Sir Joshua Reynolds, the Royal Academy made a strong effort to promote history painting to a native audience who were more interested in commissioning and buying portraits and landscapes.

Despite the popularity that Kauffman enjoyed in British society and her success as an artist, she was disappointed by the relative apathy that the British had towards history painting. Ultimately she left Britain for the continent, where history painting was better established, held in higher esteem and patronized.

The works of Angelica Kauffman have retained their reputation. By 1911, rooms decorated with her work were still to be seen in various quarters. At Hampton Court was a portrait of the duchess of Brunswick; in the National Portrait Gallery, a self-portrait. There were other pictures by her at Paris, at Dresden, in the Hermitage at St Petersburg, in the Alte Pinakothek atMunich, in Kadriorg Palace, Tallinn (Estonia).

Satinwood

is a hard and durable wood with a satinlike sheen, much used in cabinetmaking, especially in marquetry. It comes from two tropical trees of the family Rutaceae (rue family). East Indian or Ceylon satinwood is the yellowish or dark-brown heartwood of Chloroxylon swietenia.

The lustrous, fine-grained, usually figured wood is used for furniture, cabinetwork, veneers, and backs of brushes. West Indian satinwood, sometimes called yellow wood, is considered superior. It is the golden yellow, lustrous, even-grained wood found in the Florida Keys and the West Indies.

It has long been valued for furniture. It is also used for musical instruments, veneers, and other purposes. Satinwood is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Sapindales, family Rutaceae.

Our reference: 07451

Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.

Inventory