Miniature Antique Provencal Marriage Bureau circa 1900-1910

This little bureau is part of the many items that reflect the south of France, Beaucaire mirrors, earthenware from Apt, massive marriage wardrobes and elaborate openwork bread cupboards. It is made of Maple, which was so often used for humble little country pieces such as this.

Every detail is finely crafted, and very solid (it is heavy for it's small size). The top of the bureau has an inlaid square which features an etched design full of marriage symbolism. Two birds face each other and placed in between them, are two overlapping hearts. A bishop's hat floats over the two birds.

The body of the piece (with both peg and nail construction) features four drawers, outlined in black, with little wooden drawer knobs. The drawers have two dovetailed joints and additional nails along the sides. At each corner, three black accented groves draw the viewer's eye down to the fancy turned scroll feet. The sides feature raised panels and decorative scrolling which complete the outline design of the feet (both front and back). The bottom front has lovely curve detailing.

The diminutive bureau is in sound and sturdy condition. There are the typical worm-holes (very light) throughout the piece (most Provencal antique pieces have some worm-holes). The top right drawer pull has been replaced at some point in time, but the replacement is so close to the original that it is hardly detectable.

The dimensions are: 11 1/2" tall, 7" deep and the body,13" wide (14 1/4" wide along the very top piece).

This is a unique and symbolic treasure from the past.

Item ID: MT225