Saturday, July 28, 2018

BIBLIOTHEQUES vs. ARMOIRES

A few weeks ago, I purchased a charming early 18th c. French Regence Bibliotheque. Armoires are not selling very well, but the much rarer and more desirable bibliotheque is another matter.


I love this little guy--he's only about 78" high and about 15" deep and in very good condition for his age: he dates to c.1730-30 and appears to be all original. I do need to have a new key made. Sometime in the second half of the 20th c. he was lined in a French blue & (off) white toile which is also still in good condition. Here are a couple of detail shots



The simplicity of the shell carving and the carved outlined door panels plus the original patinated white oak make this country piece adaptable to almost any room--even a bathroom? Shoe collection? Or just books, as this was its original purpose. I love to find 18th c. pieces that have not been embellished by a 20th c. artistic impulse (ie., bleaching or other faux finishes)--there is nothing that equals the caress of a polished hard wax finish.
Well, it's off to bed--need to get Mr. Jones to the salon early tomorrow.
Blessings for the week.

Mary & Jones & Cole

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