Parquetry Headboard Appraisal

French Louis XVI Style Parquetry Headboard with Sevres-Style Porcelain Plaque

An ornate antique headboard crafted in the French Louis XVI style, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The piece features high-quality kingwood or walnut veneers arranged in a sophisticated diamond-pattern parquetry design across the main panel. The arched top rail is accented by a slender brass or ormolu beaded trim. Central to the design is an oval Sevres-style porcelain plaque featuring a hand-painted floral motif surmounting a light blue field with a gold crown, framed by a gilded bronze wreath. Flanking the plaque are two prominent ormolu acanthus leaf flourishes. The side posts are fluted and topped with square finials, one of which supports a separate antique metal vessel. The lower portion shows a darker, scalloped base that may have been part of an integrated bed rail system. Condition appears fair to good for its age, with visible surface scratches, minor lacquer wear, and dust accumulation consistent with long-term storage. The craftsmanship suggests a fine provincial interpretation of Neoclassical cabinetmaking, utilizing high-end veneers and cast metal mounts typical of the Belle Époque era.