Beautiful French Burled Walnut Lyonnaise Armoire, Circa 1760

Beautiful French Burled Walnut Lyonnaise Armoire, Circa 1760

H=103 3/4 (8.6 ft), Body Width=68 1/2, Depth of Body=20 3/8 (includes door)

French Lyonnaise Armoire from the Period of Louis XV with Double Domed Cornice - Burled Walnut and Walnut Wood – Original Hardware – Very Good Antique Condition Commensurate with Age

This magnificent French Louis XV Period, Double Domed Cornice, Lyonnaise Armoire is made of Solid French Burled Walnut Wood and Walnut Wood. The thickness of the frieze is 1-5/8”, and the thickness of the front doors with moldings is an astounding 3-1/4”.  Lyonnaise craftsman were renowned for their dynamic high and low relief carving with cornice and door panels strongly delineated by multiple levels of thick moldings.  There are three level of thickness to the frieze and, the sides of the frieze panel alone measure 10” high.  They were also known for their rigorous architectural order and applying exuberant decoration as well.  The curves and carvings introduce lively ornamentation that counterbalance the massive proportions

The highest and most projecting part of this armoire is the double domed cornice ornamented on its top with egg and bead thick molding and steps in with curved and flat moldings a total of 5” to the frieze.  The frieze’s ornamentation is carved out of the wood, not applied. Masses of scrolling vines with leaves cover the double domed frontage.  Stylized shells are at either end and at the center is a cartouche featuring c-scrolls surrounding another stylized shell with leaves.

Each door features a tri-partie organization of high and low shaped and molded panels reproducing the double domed shape throughout.  All of the panels are of  prized and rare French burled walnut.    Surrounding these panels are more stylized shell, scrolling vines and flowers.  The concave curved corners of the armoire feature a stepped out double molding on the cornice.  The dormant (center post) is attached to the left hand door, allowing full horizontal open access.  It is ornamented with margents of flowers and scrolling vines.  The hardware is incredible, from the  magnificent lock and key to the thick hinges and interior full length locking mechanisms.

The base is solid and curved,  which was a part of Louis XV’s early reign under the Regents.  The sides are tri-partie in organization of panels.  The top two being double domed and the bottom having two vertical stepped in panels. The depth of this piece is most desirable for today’s purposes—20-3/8”.  This Lyonnaise armoire from the 18th C. is highly prized by collectors.