A Napoleon III ebonised writing cabinet by Maison Alphonse Giroux, Paris, the celebrated supplier of luxury goods to the French court. The shaped pediment surmounts a two-tier étagère with mirrored back, above four small drawers and a pull-out writing surface. Below, a frieze drawer and a panelled door centred by an oval ormolu medallion cast in relief with a mythological scene, the whole mounted throughout with gilt bronze and faux lapis lazuli. Signed to the lock and retaining its original key. A jewel of a piece for a bedroom, boudoir or study.
Provenance: Sloane Street Auctions, lot 223, September 2024; acquired by Urnica.
Condition: Ebonised surfaces and mounts in very good order; signed lock with original key.
Dimensions: 157.5 × 61 × 43 cm
Materials: Ebonised wood, Gilt bronze, Faux lapis lazuli, Mirror glass
Maker: Maison Alphonse Giroux, Paris, signed to the lock
Origin: France
Date: Mid 19th century
Shipping quoted on request; collection from Meda welcome.