Specification ENTCHE8677 · SIMPLE
Specifications
| Dimensions | Length 75 cm / Depth 36 cm / Height 60 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4 kg |
| Materials | Solid Wood, Brass |
| Country of Origin | Egypt |
| Design Style | Louis XV Rococo |
| Ideal Placement | Living Room, Bedroom, Hallway, Reception, Library |
| Delivery Time | 30-45 Days |
| Handcrafted | Yes — by Egyptian artisans |
| Customizable | Yes — contact us for custom orders |
Description
Design & Inspiration
Place this cabinet in a room and it immediately reorganises the space around itself. The serpentine front, the warm amber-mahogany parquetry, and the dense gold of the ormolu mounts create a visual gravity that pulls the eye in. This is a chiffonière — a small but intensely decorated French cabinet — faithfully reproduced in the tradition of the Transition period (circa 1760–1780), that fascinating decade when French designers began cooling the exuberance of Rococo into the disciplined symmetry of Neoclassicism, without yet abandoning the curves they loved.
Materials & Craftsmanship
The cabinet body is constructed from Romanian solid redwood at under 10% humidity — a foundation chosen for its dimensional stability and its receptiveness to fine veneering. Over it, skilled artisans have laid a diamond-pattern parquetry in richly figured warm-toned veneers: the top surface shows a broad basketweave parquet, the door panel a tight geometric diamond field, and the side panels a larger-scaled diamond repeat. Each veneer joint is precise, each corner sharp. The entire surface is finished in a deep French polish, which gives the wood its characteristic inner glow — light appears to come from within the grain rather than merely reflect off it.
The ormolu mounts — cast, chased, and gilt — are the defining ornamental language of this piece. At the top corners, foliate escutcheon mounts frame the transition from lid to body. A floral garland frieze mount runs along the top drawer pull. The centrepiece of the door is a dramatic swag-and-basket-of-flowers mount: ribbons cascade from a tied bow above a flower-filled basket, flanked by laurel swags that sweep outward — a motif drawn directly from the Louis XVI vocabulary of classical restraint meeting natural abundance. Corner angle mounts at the base feature bold acanthus leaf forms, and the four slender cabriole legs terminate in elaborate gilt sabots of equal refinement. A keyhole escutcheon centred in the door completes the symmetry.
Dimensions & Details
This chiffonière offers one upper drawer and one lower cupboard door, making it practical as a bedside cabinet, a salon accent piece, or a hallway statement. The proportions — compact width with generous height — follow the French tradition of the meuble à hauteur d'appui, a cabinet designed to stand at leaning height beside a larger commode or console. The serpentine shaping of the top, the shaped apron between the legs, and the gentle bow of the door front all soften what could otherwise be a rigid geometric form.
Handcrafted in Egypt
Every element of this cabinet — from the precision cutting of the parquetry veneers to the hand-chasing of the ormolu mounts — is produced in the Brass & Wood workshops in Egypt. Egyptian craftsmen trained in European classical techniques bring the same attention to joinery, surface preparation, and finishing that defined the original Parisian ateliers of the 1760s. The result is not a reproduction in the cheap sense of the word, but a faithful interpretation of a design tradition that has earned its place in the history of decorative arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials is this cabinet made from?
The carcass is Romanian solid redwood (under 10% humidity), veneered in warm-toned figured parquetry. The decorative mounts are solid brass, cast and gilt to replicate the appearance of period ormolu. The finish is a hand-applied French polish.
Is assembly required?
No assembly is required. The cabinet arrives fully constructed and ready to place.
Can this piece be customised?
Yes. Brass & Wood offers customisation on wood veneer tone, brass finish (gold, antique gold, or bronze), and interior configuration. Contact our team to discuss your requirements before ordering.
