19th Century French Bonheur Du Jour

For sale is a fine quality 19th century ebonised Boulle Bonheur Du Jour writing table. The top, of arched form, has an ornate brass pediment, flanked by...

For sale is a good quality carved Chinese Chippendale style kneehole desk. The top of the desk has an intricately fretted gallery which is in perfect condition. Below this the desk h...

We are very pleased to be able to offer this rare antique French walnut and marquetry inlaid Bonheur du Jour, or Ladies Writing Desk, for sale. Our experts have dated it to around 1...

Highly important and palatial Napoleon III Louis XV Revival Ormolu-Mounted Marquetry Bonheur Du Jour by Charles Guillaume Diehl, Designed by Jean Brandely, The Marquetry by E. Varlot, Paris. The rarity & importance of this magnificent piece cannot be overstated, it is without question one of the finest examples you will see. Originally commissioned for European nobility as a statement of love and marital grandeur. Incorporating the finest & rarest veneers and timbers of the time, including Harewood, Thuya, Purpleheart, palm wood and tulipwood. The beautifully shaped ormolu gallery on the top, gracefully curving outwards inset with fretted heart shapes highlight the incredible attention to detail that flow throughout this majestic piece. The upper section set either side with ormolu mounted fluted pilasters, aside two doors both individually set with masculine & feminine central marquetry panels of the most supreme quality, as you would expect from the master E. Varlot. The colors incorporated in the inlay are outstanding to behold, simply perfection. Opening to reveal the double top & bottom lock, engraved with Diehl's mark and address. Internally veneered in Rosewood of the richest color with one shelf. With two drawers below the doors, both veneered on the inside with Sycamore, one fitted for inkwells. The ormolu edged writing flap again centrally set with both a male & female figure now seated, holding hands with the lady holding a Mandoline, a true sign of happiness & love. The writing flap opening to reveal the original richly tooled velvet leather surface. The stand with one central frieze drawer, again lined inside with rosewood and with a top and bottom lock. On ormolu-mounted fluted legs. This grand Museum Quality masterpiece is in excellent condition for its age. Charles Guillaume Diehl (1811-1885) was of Germanic origins, he is considered among the most important & influential of cabinetmakers of the 19th century. He was born in Steinbach, Germany later moving to France, establishing his atelier in Paris in 1840, at the 3, Rue de Thorigny and then at the 170, Rue Saint...