An exceptional 18th century French period Louis XV armoire handcrafted of indigenous old growth walnut and burled walnut in the typical technique mastered by the skilled artisans of the Bresse region of France, circa 1750s. This large provincial armoire features a chapeau de gendarme crown above moulded, paneled doors in walnut and burled walnut with very rare painted chinoiserie hinges, opening to reveal spacious storage with four shelves. Carved, shaped apron resting on short cabriole legs ending in scrolled French toes on pegs. A narrow and beautiful piece with a lovely patina and lots of character.

The country cabinetmakers of Bresse produced characteristic furniture in the Louis XV style, using contrasting woods. They utilized burled walnut panels to create naturalistic beauty and were renowned for their three panel doors made of contrasting woods with intricately carved and moulded detail creating abstract patterns mimicking the natural forms found all over the beautiful countryside of the region. The Bresse region, with its reputation for rich traditional cuisine, produced more buffets and vaisseliers than armoires.

Dimensions:

h - 100"

w - 64" with crown; body w - 58"

d - 23"