Antique Victorian Rococo Carved Mahogany & Red Leather Writing Table / Desk (Circa 1880)

Summary:
• Item: Writing Table / Desk
• Circa: 1880
• Period: Victorian
• Style: Rococo
• Wood: Solid mahogany
• Provenance: England, UK
• Red & gold tooled leather
• Profuse foliate & shell carvings
• Serpentine design
• 3 working drawers
• Hand dovetailed drawer construction
• Solid mahogany drawer linings & bottoms
• Original gilt floral handles
• Elegant carved cabriole legs
• Original brass & mug castors
• Original polish & patination
• Original condition
• Free 14 days UK returns

This is an attractive and superb quality antique Victorian Rococo style carved mahogany and leather desk, circa 1880, in excellent condition. The desk is constructed in the style of the French 18th Century Rococo period, which involved intricate and profuse floral decoration. Boasting an ornate serpentine design, the top features a red leather with gold tool perimeter. Below, there are three hand-dovetailed, mahogany lined drawers which feature foliate and shell carvings to the drawer fronts and desk frame, along with the original floral gilt handles. The central drawer includes a working lock and key. The drawer linings even feature quarter beading to the frames; which is a true sign of quality. The centre of the desk features a raised ornate carved kneehole frieze, so that you can comfortably place your legs underneath the desk whilst working. The shaped frieze is continued all the way round the desk. Carved floral and shell mouldings adorn the corners of the desk frame. The desk stands on elegant tapering cabriole legs, with further profuse foliate carvings within studwork to the knees. The legs terminate on the original brass and mug castors. This is a very attractive single piece desk, with excellent proportions. The carved foliate detail is also present to the sides and back of the desk, enabling it to be freestanding in the centre of a room.

Rococo was an 18th-century artistic movement and style, which affected several aspects of the arts including painting, sculpture, architecture, interior design, decoration, literature, music and theatre. It takes its name from the French rocaille (pronounced ‘rock-eye’), which means the rock or broken shell motifs that often formed part of the designs. The Rococo developed in the early part of the 18th century in Paris, France as a reaction against the grandeur symmetry and strict regulations of the Baroque, especially that of the Palace of Versailles. The Rococo style was used primarily in furniture, silver and ceramics, rather than architecture.

The desk boasts a rich brown mahogany colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.

This desk would look superb in a variety of rooms from home office, drawing room or library. The item would certainly grace any home or office and is a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

Dimensions:
Height = 73.7cm or 29” or 2ft 5”
Width = 108.5cm or 42¾” or 3ft 6¾” (feet)
Depth = 60cm or 23⅝” or 1ft 11⅝”
Knee Height = 60.5cm or 23⅞” or 1ft 11⅞”
Knee Width = 44.5cm or 17½” or 1ft 5½”

Condition Report:
This desk is in excellent original condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges of the desk, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. The hand-dovetailed drawer bottoms & linings are constructed of solid mahogany, and boast the original brassware. The drawers also retain their original working locks (with keys). The drawers close flush to the frame. The replacement leather is in good condition; there are some natural variations to the leather surface; however there are no rips, damage, ink stains or watermarks. This is a single piece desk. This desk is well constructed, solid in joint; does not wobble and is ready to use.

Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale.  If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.

Ref. Desk 30