Antique French Louis XV Bonheur de Jour Writing Desk
A beautifully elegant antique French Louis XV style Bonheur du Jour, exquisitely crafted with richly figured walnut and kingwood veneers, intricate parquetry and crossbanding, decorative ebony and satinwood stringing, and finely cast gilt bronze ormolu mounts. Raised on graceful cabriole legs terminating in original ormolu sabots, this delightful bureau embodies the elegance and craftsmanship associated with fine French furniture. The sloping fall-front opens to reveal a wonderfully fitted interior with shaped pigeonholes, shelves and four small drawers, creating the perfect space for writing letters, organising stationery or displaying treasured collections. Beneath the writing surface are three generously sized drawers, each retaining its original ornate gilt bronze handles and escutcheons. Every elevation of the bureau has been carefully finished, with beautifully book-matched veneer panels framed by delicate decorative stringing, demonstrating the exceptional attention to detail throughout. The richly figured walnut and kingwood veneers create a striking geometric pattern across the fall-front and sides, while the warm honey and chestnut tones have mellowed beautifully over time, giving the bureau an inviting warmth and unmistakable French character. Whether placed in a bedroom, library, hallway or drawing room, this elegant bureau is as practical as it is decorative, making a wonderful statement piece for both period and contemporary interiors. Features Antique French Bonheur du Jour / Bureau de Dame Louis XV style Beautiful walnut and kingwood parquetry veneers Decorative crossbanding and fine inlaid stringing Original gilt bronze ormolu mounts and sabots Three spacious drawers Fall-front writing compartment Fitted interior with pigeonholes and four small drawers Original escutcheon and working lock Elegant cabriole legs Finished on all sides A superb decorative statement piece with practical everyday use Approximate Dimensions Height: 90 cm Width: 70 cm Depth: 40 cm Condition Presented in good antique condition, displaying the honest signs of a well-loved and carefully used piece that has gracefully stood the test of time. The beautifully figured veneers have developed a rich, mellow patina with wonderful depth of colour, enhancing the bureau's warmth and character. As expected of a genuine antique, there are a number of small historic veneer losses, minor repairs, age-related marks, small chips and areas of wear, particularly around one front corner and sections of the legs. These imperfections are entirely commensurate with its age and generations of careful use, adding to its authenticity rather than detracting from its charm. The original gilt bronze ormolu mounts retain a lovely aged patina, the drawers and fall-front operate well, and the bureau remains structurally sound, sturdy and ready to be enjoyed for many years to come. Rather than striving for perfection, this beautiful bureau tells the story of a life well lived. It has been cherished and used for decades, and its gentle signs of age only enhance its authenticity and timeless French appeal. Elegant, practical and beautifully proportioned, this charming French Bonheur du Jour is a piece that effortlessly combines craftsmanship with functionality. The quality of the parquetry, rich veneers and original ormolu mounts make it equally at home in a country house, townhouse or contemporary interior, where it will undoubtedly become a treasured focal point. Antique French bureau, Bonheur du Jour, Bureau de Dame, Louis XV writing desk, French writing bureau, parquetry bureau, kingwood bureau, walnut bureau, ormolu mounted bureau, French antique furniture, ladies writing desk, antique secrétaire, French country furniture.