19th Century Country French China Buffet ~ Cupboard from Brittany

Price: $5,900

19th Century Country French China Buffet ~ Cupboard from Brittany is at once a masterful example of the woodcarver's art, while also being a glimpse of the rural life of a bygone era within the famed peninsula.  Utilizing a rectilinear architecture as a foundation, the artisans literally carved every visible square foot creating a visual feast for the eyes.  Starting at the top we see a gallery rail with spindles accented with rosettes on the corners and centered with a triple-arched carving overlooking a demilune "balcony" onto which a religious figurine would usually be placed.  The "balcony" and the upper crown molding are tiered and carved, leading the eye down to the upper cabinet.  The upper cabinet features two full relief carvings of a rural couple facing each other set in arched frameworks, with carved corner posts and intricate steel key guards providing accents.  Outside the upper cabinet is a two-tiered shelf structure with rounded upper and gallery railed below accented by a fully carved backsplash, finials and pendants.  The lower rails flank a full width drawer convenient for putting cutlery out of the reach of young children.  The upper tier is supported by a carved backsplash with its own gallery rail for plate display, and a couple of musicians playing a bagpipe and horn, adding a wonderful whimsical touch.  A generous serving surface provides the top for the lower tier, defined by the same cornerpost carving, a smaller drawer, two flanking cabinets with elaborate carved panels including a demilune opening with spindles (a trademark of the regional craftsmen), and a lavish scrolled and cross-hatched apron with an inverse demilune center accented with more spindles.  More steel hinges, pulls and fancy key guards were used below as well.  However, capturing the most attention is the splendid carving on the center door in glorious full relief depicting a musician seated under a shade tree playing his horn, with a cottage in the background.
Charming!
Circa 1880s
Measures 99H x 59.5W x 19.5D; surface 39.5H