19th Century French Kingwood Vitrine Display Cabinet - Vernis Martin Panels, Ormolu Mounts & Curved Glass

A fine and decorative 19th Century (circa 1880) French antique kingwood vitrine display cabinet in the Louis XV manner. A piece of considerable visual presence - the shaped and serpentine carcass, curved glazed sides, hand-painted Vernis Martin panels, and profuse ormolu mounts combining to create one of the most characterful forms in French decorative furniture. The kingwood veneer is laid in a chevron pattern to the lower section, with crossbanding throughout. The curved glazed door and shaped side panels provide excellent visibility to the green velvet-lined interior, which is fitted with three shaped display shelves. The interior is generous and practical - well suited to the display of porcelain, silver, or decorative objects. The Vernis Martin panels are the focal point of the exterior - hand-painted romantic pastoral scenes in the 18th century French manner, depicting figures in landscape settings, framed within ormolu mount surrounds. Vernis Martin - the celebrated French lacquer technique developed by the Martin brothers in the early 18th Century - was the most prized decorative finish of the Louis XV period and was applied to the finest furniture of the era. The ormolu mounts are of good quality throughout - a pierced and scrolling acanthus cresting crowns the serpentine cornice, with trailing foliate mounts to the angles, rocaille clasps to the curved glazed panels, and ormolu sabots to the slender cabriole legs. The overall effect is one of considerable decorative richness. The piece presents in good antique condition with honest wear consistent with age. The green velvet interior lining shows wear and would benefit from relining - this is reflected in our asking price. The glazed panels and ormolu mounts are intact throughout. Structurally sound. An excellent display cabinet for a drawing room, study, or hallway - equally at home in a period interior or as a statement piece in a contemporary setting.