Louis XV Rococo Kidney-Form Side Table with Burr Veneer Marquetry & Gilt Bronze Mounts

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular pleasure in a piece of furniture that refuses to be angular. The kidney form — that soft, inward-curving silhouette — was one of the more inventive contributions of the Louis XV period to European design. Placed beside a bed or in a boudoir corner, this handcrafted side table reads as sculpture first and storage second: the eye follows the gentle arc of its top before settling on the richly contrasting marquetry panels below.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The carcass is built from Romanian solid redwood (below 10% humidity), providing a dimensionally stable foundation for the figured burr veneer panels that define the visual character of this piece. Burr veneer — harvested from the irregular growths that form at the base or junction of a tree — produces the characteristic swirling, irregular grain that catches light differently at every angle. The cartouche-shaped veneer panels on the drawer fronts and side faces are framed by the warm cherry-toned solid wood ground, creating a two-tone dialogue that is unmistakably Rococo in sensibility. A French polish finish deepens the grain and imparts a reflective warmth that no lacquer can replicate. The four slender cabriole legs, tapering elegantly to antique gilt bronze sabots, are a direct quotation from the Louis XV workshop tradition — each leg individually turned and fitted.

Dimensions & Details

Two drawers, fitted with antique gilt bronze ring pulls and flanked by matching bronze escutcheon mounts at the sides, offer practical storage without interrupting the decorative programme. The shaped drawer fronts — each following the serpentine contour of the case — demonstrate the cabinet-maker's discipline: every curved element must align perfectly when the drawers are closed. The kidney-shaped top carries the same burr veneer field, edged by the solid redwood border, completing the composition from above.

Handcrafted in Egypt

This table is produced in Egypt by Brass & Wood's workshop artisans, who work from measured references to historic French originals. The burr veneer is hand-selected for figure and applied using traditional methods; the bronze mounts are individually cast and hand-finished. Each piece is inspected before dispatch to ensure the veneer seams are tight, the drawers slide without play, and the sabots sit level. This is the standard a replica must meet to be worth making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this table made from?

The structural frame is Romanian solid redwood. The decorative surfaces feature hand-applied burr veneer marquetry panels. Hardware is antique gilt bronze. The finish is French polish.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — typically attaching the legs to the case, which requires no specialist tools and takes under fifteen minutes.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood accepts customization requests for wood tone, veneer species, hardware finish, and overall dimensions. Contact our team to discuss your requirements before placing your order.