19th Century French Gothic Confiturier ~ Cabinet

19th Century French Gothic Confiturier ~ Cabinet is a stunning example of late Napoleon III Period master craftsmanship!  Utilizing old-growth chestnut, the artisans created a single door buffet ~ cabinet, called a confiturier in France because of its traditional use of storing confit pots filled with perserves, oils and produce from the fertile lands of France.  This example revives the ancient Gothic style that originated in the mid 12th century, and features a wide variety of amazing motifs sculpted right into the sumptuous wood.  Starting at the top, which displays incredible figure, the edges have been carved with repeating fletching designs on all three edges.  Underneath, scrolled corbels with fletching carved on the shoulders appear on all four corners.  The pattern carved between the corbels is a stylized motif blending fletching with shell representations.  The front also conceals a full width drawer identified only by a keyhole for a clean architectural look.  Even the sides are lavished with raised panels carved with intricately scrolled geometric molding details with floral accents, a pattern that is expanded upon for the main facade of the cabinet door.  Again, the door is defined only by the keyhole from all outward appearances for an architecturally clean and consistent presentation.  The door is flanked by cornerposts fluted and carved with fletching from top to base, with the base identified by a colonnade pattern on all three sides punctuated by elaborate rosettes on the corners.  Bold molding completes the base, supported by ball feet in front.  Door and drawer open to reveal capacious storage in the bargain!
Circa 1870s
Measures 38H x 29W x 17D