Antique French Boulle Marquetry Scribe's Office. France, S. XIX

Gorgeous French inkstand with Boulle-style marquetry details, made in the 19th century and completely restored. This piece shows off an undeniable charm, created by its high-quality materials, attractive curved shapes and the detailed work of the person who manufactured it. The inkstand is is of Boulle type marquetry and ormolu bronze parts. It also shows some shiny black-lacquered parts such as the inner sides and the top edges. The combination of these rich colors (black, gold and red) creates a stately piece, designed to dazzle. The inkstand is rectangular in shape and is divided in three compartments. The front compartment is the bigger one and has a concave bottom. The back part has a central rectangular compartment for the pens and two square-shaped side gaps for the inkpots. The marquetry details can be seen at the outer sides of the piece and at the bottom of the paper compartment. They are complete and in great condition. All the edges are covered with engraved ormolu bronze details; the figureheads that adorn the legs, the front embossed detail and the inkpots lids are made of this material too. These pieces are delicately made and they depict fauns faces, flower blossoms, vegetal motives and ribbons. For its amazing workmanship and beautiful design, this antique French inkstand with Boulle marquetry will shine in the greatest study table or sideboard. Medidas: Ancho: 25,5 cm. Fondo: 18 cm. Alto: 8,5 cm. Measurements: Width: 10 in / 25.5 cm. Depth: 7 in / 18 cm. Height: 3.35 in / 8.5 cm.History of André-Charles Boulle André-Charles Boulle (11 November 1642 28 February 1732) was a French cabinetmaker generally considered to be the most preeminent artist in the field of marquetry. Christened by his contemporaries as "the most skillful artisan in Paris," André-Charles Boulle's name is synonymous with the practice of veneering furniture with marquetry of tortoiseshell, pewter, and brass. Although he did not invent the technique, Boulle was its greatest practitioner and lent his name to its common name: boulle work. Boulle also specialized in floral marquetry in both stained and naturally colored wood. Many of his designs are illustrated in a published around 1720: Nouveaux dessins de meubles et ouvrages de bronze et de marqueterie. Before 1666 Boulle was awarded the title of Master Cabinetmaker; in 1672 the king granted him the royal privilege of lodging in the Palais du Louvre. In the same year, he achieved the title of Cabinetmaker and Sculptor to Louis XIV, king of France. This new title allowed him to produce furniture as well as works in gilt bronze such as chandeliers, wall lights, and mounts. Boulles works can be found in the Palace of Versailles, the Chantilly Castle, the Cheverny Castle, the Louvre Museum, the Wallace Collection and the Royal Collection in London and the Getty Center in Los Angeles.