Antique French Miniature Louis XV Chest Ormolu Salesman Sample for Bebe Bru Doll

  

Today we are delighted to offer for sale a stunning and rare antique French miniature bombe chest! This stunning miniature dates from the early 1900's and is exquisitely crafted and detailed. The chest is a salesman sample that can also be used for French Bebe or Bru-sized dolls (see photo for scale - doll not included).

The dresser is done the late Regence/early Louis XV-style. It features a bombe-form body with delicate cabriole legs and two dove-tailed drawers. It features intricate marquetry designs done with contrasting exotic woods. The sides of the chest feature rocaille scrolled panels decorated with ribbon-tied floral bouquets. The front of the chest features a large panel with rococo border framing a fantastical scene taken from The Fox and the Crow, one of Aesop's Fables, a story used as a warning against listening to flattery. In the fable a crow has found a piece of cheese and retired to a branch to eat it. A fox, wanting it for himself, flatters the crow, calling it beautiful and wondering whether its voice is as sweet to match. When it lets out a caw, the cheese falls and is devoured by the fox. The marquetry scene depicts the beginning of the fable and shows the crow with its cheese up on a tree branch while the fox looks up from the ground, with a farmhouse and lovely countryside seen in the background. The marquetry is incredibly detailed and of special note is the crow's eye which features a brass bead that catches the light. The chest features bronze ormolu rococo pulls, sabots, and corner mounts. The top features a beautiful specimen of Sarrancolin marble in rich mauve and cream colors. The drawers open and close smoothly.

The chest is in remarkable condition. It will make a truly wonderful addition to any collection! The chest presents beautifully and is in excellent antique condition, with minimal wear commensurate with age and display.

The wood and marquetry are in excellent condition. The bronze hardware has minor tarnish/patina (you can leave it as is or shine it up with fine grade steel wool). The marble top is attached to the frame and is in very good condition, with a few minor carving imperfections, one back corner appears to have a slight repair. Dimensions: 12-5/8" in length, 7" in depth, 10-3/4 in height.