Marquetry Inlaid French Writing Desk or Bonheur Du Jour

This is an elegant bonheur du jour, or lady’s writing desk, this lovely little French bureau is burr walnut with some beautiful inlaid marquetry and ormolu style decoration. The front pulls down to reveal a dark red gilt tooled writing surface, with three drawers across the back and four letter partitions above. In front of the drawers is a hidden compartment, so that the central section of the wood slides back to reveal a red velvet lined cavity which extends across the width of the desk. Above the bureau are small glazed cupboards either side, each with a removable shelf and lined with velvet which has faded to dusky pink from the original red. Centrally there is a drawer with a mirror above, with a charming ormolu decoration of a face at the top. The whole piece sits on cabriole legs. This will make a lovely addition to any room and continues to function for its original purpose, making an ideal place to sit to use a laptop and store paperwork and stationery, although it will also make a good functional dressing table, with plenty of storage for cosmetic items and a mirror above. Dating to the 19th century, this is made of burr walnut and originates from France.