Antique French Transitional Louis XV XVI Style Secretary Bookcase Cabinet Credenza by Maison Gouffe Paris

Description

A rare and stunning fine quality French Transitional Tulipwood, Kingwood, ormolu, Brocatelle Violette secrétaire bookcase by renowned Parisian cabinetmaker Maison … more A rare and stunning fine quality French Transitional Tulipwood, Kingwood, ormolu, Brocatelle Violette secrétaire bookcase by renowned Parisian cabinetmaker Maison Gouffé. circa 1925

Maison Gouffé has been world-famous for decades, known for training the celebrated designer Jean Royere and for producing some of the most exquisite and high quality pieces of furniture in different styles and periods, this magnificent bookcase perfectly reflects that fame and reverence.

Designed and produced in Paris, France, early 20th century, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and execution that just impresses at any angle, this bookcase was created from the highest quality materials & highest level of craftsmanship available. Intricate detailing and complex marquetry work throughout, all hand-crafted, carved, sculpted, chased and chiseled details meticulously done fully by hand.

Executed in elegant and luxurious Louis XV - Louis XVI Transition period taste, with visually striking exotic precious Brazilian kingwood (violetwood) and tulipwood marquetry, each one of the eleven doors is decorated with exceptional quarter veneered reverse diamond matched "en ailes de papillon” butterfly wings showcasing the beautiful grain patterns framed within delicate intricately inlaid wrap around fillets, accented by brilliant gilded bronze mounts and escutcheons.

The high quality solid oak case fitted a central fall front panel, opening to reveal a fitted interior gallery with various small drawers and pigeon hole cubbies, inset gilt embossed red leather writing surface, flanked by side cabinets, left side opened from desk interior, over two pull-out slides, lower centered double-door cabinet with interior shelf, flanked by two drawers, single-door cabinet, outlined by rounded chevron panel corner posts softening the silhouette, over a gently curved scalloped skirt, rising on short transitional cabriole legs, terminating in pierced fiolated gilt bronze sabots, topped with the original thick brocatelle violette marble slab with molded edge and old restoration. Named after the famous Italian fabric because of its resemblance to the pronounced patterns of the silk-rich material, showcasing dramatic patterns of subdued violet, yellow, and gold. Signed Gouffe

Dimensions: (approx)
53.75" High, 70" Wide, 22" Deep

Maison Gouffé is a very highly regarded luxury furniture designer and manufacturer house founded by Pierre Gouffé in 1907, and located at 46-48 Faubourg Saint-Antoine in Paris. They became famous in the 1930s and its Contemporary Furniture Department was directed by Jean Royère (1902-1981) from 1934 to 1942, who made a name for himself after receiving his first big commission, designing a new layout for the Brasserie Carlton on the Champs Elysées in 1934, and later became a world renowned designer and ébéniste. Royère, often perceived as outside of the modernist trajectory ascribed to twentieth-century design, was nonetheless informed by and enormously influential to his peers. Taking on the mantle of the great artist decorators of 1940s France, Royère’s success continued with great vitality into the second half of the twentieth century. His luxurious style soon caught the eye of the world’s elite and he began designing couture furniture and spaces for the likes of numerous world leaders. Royère was one of the first to promote a new way of life through interior decoration and his playful approach solidified his career with an international audience.

Condition:
Very good antique / vintage condition. Presents superbly, with nicely aged warm patina and lustrous sheen. Wear consistent with age and use. Evidence of old professional restoration to marble, appears it fractured in half and repaired. Overall a truly outstanding example with great presence. Delivered cleaned, waxed, with hand rubbed polished patina finish, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment! less