A gilt-bronze-mounted bois satiné, amaranth and tulipwood bureau plat stamped I.C. Ellaume Louis XV, mid 18th century

with a serpentine gilt-bronze banded tooled leather inset top with rocaille and scrolled cast clasps at each corner, above three frieze drawers opposing dummy drawers interposed by an acanthus leaf cast rocaille spray, on cabriole legs terminating in gilt-bronze scrolled feet, the whole inlaid with trelliswork parquetry, with gilt-bronze mounts throughout; mounts regilded;partially remounted

Colour of wood less yellow and slightly darker and gilding less greenish and more attractive than in the catalogue illustration. The knee and side mounts are 18th century but the mounts flanking the drawers and the clasps in our opinion are later. The mounts are well cast. Some minor internal restorations and to the veneer especially on the frieze. In overall very good restored condition. Good small size.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Jean-Charles Ellaume was received master on the 6th of November 1754. Ellaume ran a highly successful atelier from the same premises for a period of more than thirty years. His workshop was prolific and produced many different types of furniture using exotic hardwood veneers across the three great 18th century French styles that of Louis XV, Transitional and Louis XVI.

The offered lot exhibits the same trelliswork parquetry used on another fine example by Ellaume from the collection of the Earl of Mansfield; sold in these rooms, 8th December 1967, lot 148. The key difference between the two is the use of extravagant escutcheons and handles on the example offered in 1967.

For other bureaux plats by Ellaume, see The Collection of Baroness Burton, sold Christie's London, 22nd November 1950, lot 288 and Christie's New York, 20th October 2006, lot 394.