Antique French Amboyna & Ebonised Porcelain Plaque Bonheur du Jour c.1870

A magnificent antique French amboyna and ebonised bonheur du jour, dating to circa 1870, richly conceived in the Napoleon III taste and displaying an exceptional combination of exotic timber, porcelain decoration, gilt-metal ornament and mirrored detailing. The impressive architectural superstructure is centred by a tall arched mirror, flanked by two enclosed cupboards and finished with pierced gilt-metal galleries. Richly figured amboyna panels are framed against contrasting ebonised sections, producing the dramatic colour and depth associated with the finest decorative French furniture of the period. Particularly striking is the extensive use of painted porcelain plaques. Oval portrait panels decorate the cupboard doors, while numerous smaller floral plaques are incorporated throughout the frieze, supports and decorative framework. Gilt-metal mounts, fine line inlay and turned architectural columns further enrich the design. Below, the central writing section opens to provide a practical writing surface, accompanied by drawers for storage. The open lower structure incorporates shaped shelves and mirrored backing, creating an unusually decorative silhouette from every angle. The whole stands on castors for ease of positioning. Pieces combining amboyna, ebonised decoration, porcelain plaques and gilt-metal mounts at this scale have considerable collector and interior-design appeal, particularly as complete 19th-century decorative furniture becomes increasingly difficult to source. While antiques should never be treated as a guaranteed financial investment, quality, rarity and decorative impact all contribute to long-term desirability. Dimensions: Height 152 cm × Width 122 cm × Depth 56 cm