catalog text
ART DECO MACASSAR EBONY, PARCHMENT AND BRASS BUREAU PLAT
Likely French, circa 1930
Item # 111PZN03Z
A very fine Art Deco period bureau plat, it features chaotically grained Macassar ebony veneers throughout and retains the original lacquered parchment top; all drawers are hand-dovetailed and hung with original truncated cone solid brass pulls while the tapered legs terminate in original cast-brass squared and tapered sabots. The veneers are brilliantly matched to allow the grain to flow from one element into the next where possible and are nearly without seam. We have had it completely restored, all elements repolished and had it finished in an oil and wax finish that is easy to live with and easy to touch up over the years as wear occurs - it beautifully showcases the Macassar ebony veneers by bringing the grain pattern to the forefront without the barrier of the period typical high-gloss finish.
Measurements: 28 1/2" D x 30 1/4" H x 53 1/4" W; pull out writing surface adds approximately 15" to the overall width
Condition Report:
Discoloration to the parchment with some lifting/pulling around the edges; corners of the desk top and some spots along the edges with veneer patching and stained splices; we would recommend placing a piece of glass on the top of the desk to preserve the parchment for the years to come; a few veneer patches to the desk with minor edge/corner rubbing and wear; surfaces refinished throughout in an overall matte oiled finish; all brass pulls and sabots original and polished; some chipping around the pulls (notably the slide-out writing surface) that has been filled with wax to disguise the losses; no key.