LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details

A FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED KINGWOOD BUREAU A ROGNON
LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
The kidney-shaped top inset with a gilt-tooled black leather writing surface and surmounted by a serpentine arched superstructure surmounted by floral cresting above a central clock dial signed 'E. Ch... Fils/ AParis/ 240 Rue... Riv...' flanked by two drawers, above a further short drawer and small door enclosing a green-velvet lined interior to each side, the frieze with three drawers applied with acanthus , on cabriole legs headed by leaf-cast rocaille clasps running to pierced sabots
52 ¼ in. (132.5 cm.) high; 55 ½ in. (141 cm.) wide; 26 ½ in. (67.5 cm.) deep

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. Specified lots are being stored at Crozier Park Royal (details below) or will be removed from Christie’s, 8 King Street, London, SW1Y 6QT by 5.00pm on the day of the sale. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. If the lot has been transferred to Crozier Park Royal, it will be available for collection from 12.00pm on the second business day following the sale. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Crozier Park Royal. All collections from Crozier Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s, 8 King Street, it will be available for collection on any working day (not weekends) from 9.00am to 5.00pm

Conditions of sale

Lot Essay

This distinctive shape of this bureau à rognon is of a type attributable to the workshop of Blaise Millet and his son, Théodore. However related desks by Millet usually have a seated putto atop the central clock and similarly cherubic candelabra. A desk identical to the present lot, apart from the addition of candle arms, is shown on the stand of Baguès Frères at the 1900 Paris universelle exhibition, however is it speculated that Baguès were advertising their role as decorators and borrowed the furniture shown on their stand from leading ébénistes and that the desk is the work of Millet (C. Payne, Paris Furniture: The luxury market of the 19th century, Paris, 2018, p. 244).

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