George III Satinwood Bonheur Du Jour

A George III satinwood, purpleheart, tulipwood crossbanded and marquetry tambour cylinder bonheur du jour the superstructure comprised of a raised central bay, downswept spandrels each inlaid with a quarter conch shell and four open compartments, above a chequered tambour cylinder, enclosing eight pigeon holes, two drawers and a gilt tooled leather writing surface, over one fitted long frieze drawer, on square tapering legs terminating in brass cappings and leather barrel castors. Height: 51”,130 cms / Width: 30.75”, 78 cms /Depth: 23.25”, 59 cms Note: The Bonheur Du Jour as a piece of furniture is derived from the french equivalent and translates as Good Hours of The Day and is predominantly a Lady’s piece designed for reading and writing at. It’s introduction occurred at the end of the 18th. Century coincidentally at about the time that Fielding’s first novel was published. This introduced Ladies to the fun of reading rather than just for scholarship. This example is very much a Sheraton Period Bonheur combining the use of Satinwood with Amarinth (Purple Heart) and Tulipwood along with the marquetry inlaid spandrels.