Ebonized Directoire French Buffet

Ebonized Directoire French BuffetBuffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. This piece has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. At the top, there are five dovetailed drawers. Each drawer has a brass pull. The center drawer has a lock and key. There are five doors that open to interior wood shelving with parquetry detailing along the edges. The doors having working locks and keys

Buffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. This piece has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum-quality. At the top, there are five dovetailed drawers. Each drawer has a brass pull. The center drawer has a lock and key. There are five doors that open to interior wood shelving with parquetry detailing along the edges. The doors having working locks and keys with original brass hardware. The buffet is supported by squared, tapered legs capped with brass feet. The buffet is in excellent antique condition – the photos accurately depict the condition.

During a time of great change in post-revolution France (1790-1805), the Directoire style came about after the execution of Louis XVI. With the monarchy gone, France was governed by the Directoire executif (executive directory), from which the name of the style derives. Many criticized the old regime’s propensity for excessive luxury, and in response they began to opt for sleek, austere designs with light ornamentation. Furniture of the time stressed simple shapes, clean lines and strong proportions. Today these furnishings can be used in virtually any space, thanks to their streamlined forms and casual dignity.