Bois Durci Appraisal

French Gilt Bronze Mounted Bois Durci Plant Stand / Occasional Table

This exquisite occasional table, likely functioning as a plant stand or display table, features an octagonal top with a recessed mirror inset, surrounded by an ornate pierced gilt bronze gallery. The top itself appears to be made of a dark wood, possibly bois durci or ebonized wood, creating a striking contrast with the bright gilding. The gallery is intricately designed with scrolled motifs and a decorative lattice pattern. Below the tabletop, the frieze is adorned with richly detailed gilt bronze mounts featuring classical S-scroll and acanthus leaf ornamentation. The apron pieces appear to be dark wood, echoing the top. The table is supported by four slender, cabriole-style legs crafted from a reddish-brown wood, possibly mahogany or a similar fruitwood. Each leg is elegantly turned and has carved fluting or reeding on the upper portion, tapering gently towards small, turned feet. The legs show some wear consistent with age, such as minor scuffs and surface abrasions, particularly near the feet. The gilt bronze elements exhibit a pleasing aged patina, with some areas showing a slightly dulled finish but maintaining their overall decorative appeal. The mirror inset has some visible clouding or slight desilvering, indicative of its age. The construction suggests late 19th to early 20th-century French craftsmanship, characterized by the combination of fine woods and decorative metallic applications, often associated with Napoleon III or Art Nouveau transitional styles. This piece displays high-quality craftsmanship, evident in the intricate metalwork and refined turning of the legs, and would have served as a sophisticated accent piece in a drawing room or salon.