19th Century French Henri II Neoclassical Walnut China Cabinet ~ Cupboard

19th Century French Henri II Neoclassical Walnut China Cabinet ~ Cupboard is a definitively French expression of the genre, executed in sumptuous French walnut to admire and impress for decade after decade!  The boldly molded crown overlooks a tier of stylized egg trim accented with acanthus foliates, which in turn overlooks the upper tier which consists of finely chamfered and framed side panels and two doors facing front flanked by double mounts of fluted columns set on carved corbels, with the cabinets flanking an open display at the center lined with chamfered panels and fitted with a gallery rail.  The upper tier is suspended over the lower tier via a paneled back splash with gallery rail in back, and a pair of lavishly turned and carved column supports in the front, all of which overlooks a very useable serving and display surface.  Below the surface is the drawer tier, with a motif that matches the crown above, but accentuated by four full relief lions' heads and intricately cast bale pulls.  The drawer tier is supported by the casework below which consists of side panels that match those above, large, fluted columns with Doric capitals on each corner, and pilasters carved with acanthus plumes and a bold bird's feather, also called fletching, all combining to frame the lavishly carved door panels, each meticulously framed and depicting stylized foliates surrounding classical urn forms, with grape clusters at the center.  A bold step-front base molding with bun feet completes the look.
Circa 1870s
Measures 93H x 68W x 25.5D; surface 40H