Vintage mahogany cylinder desk, France

Mahogany cylinder desk - or secretary. The body opens with two small gadroon-decorated handles to a convex quarter-cylinder flap revealing a paperweight with three small drawers in the center, lined in green leather with fine gold edging decorated with waves and triangles, and a sliding tray lined in the same leather. The black portor gold marble-topped tier with its openwork gallery opens with three drawers, the two-row drawer belt features a central indentation, and opens to a large trompe l'oeil drawer and two small drawers. Tapered and fluted legs. Circular handles decorated with concentric circles, gilt bronze locks and sabots. Includes three keys. French Louis XVI period. The cylinder desk is a secretary desk with a quarter-cylinder-shaped flap on top. This convex flap, in the shape of a cylindrical section, descends to close and rises to nestle in the top of the cabinet to open. This rounded flap is made up of either several slats or a single panel. The cylinder desk originated in the 18th century under Louis XV. It was then known as the secrétaire à panse. Indeed, around 1760, Oeben invented a mechanism for the King's desk, no longer using a flap, but a rolling cylinder with slats. Thanks to Riesener, the slatted system was replaced by a semi-cylindrical flap that was pulled back to cover the table. Thus was born the classic Louis XVI cylinder, roller or tambour desk. Cabinetmakers were to produce them in the Regency, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Technically, to ensure that the writing tablet and cylinder continue to function effortlessly, the use of perfectly seasoned, quality woods and precise cut-outs, especially grooves, are essential. Source : www.meubliz.com Reference : 306932