Attributed to Edouard Lievre French, 1829-1886

elaborately mounted with finely cast lacquered bronze mounts of foliate openwork patterns, with lion masks ,the upper structure fitted with three cupboards, the central one with two vantaux opening to an arrangement of 12 drawers surrounding a niche fronted by a  bronze relief mounted door, the two side doors fronted by lacquered bronze figures of Adam and Eve, and each opening to six drawers, the lower structure with a frieze drawer above a cupboard fitted with two shelves and flanked by Corinthian capital marble columns, the reverse of each door with a lozenge patterned inlay in burr myrtle against a mahogany background. 

Overall in good condition. The interior has been recently re-fitted, with a piece of tape stuck to the inside referencing a 1981 restoration. This work is not visible without removing the interior drawer cases. Losses to lacquer of bronze mounts, especially to Adam and Eve. Scattered chips to marble with several minor losses to the base of the columns. Minor chips, dents and scratches to mahogany, consistent with age and use.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Based upon two cabinets, one illustrated in Connaissance des Arts, Hors-série No 228, and another offered in these rooms on October 26, 2006, in "A Private Collection: Important French Furniture & Decorations, including Signed Furniture and Items from the Linke Family Private Collection," lot 187, the design of the present crédence can irrefutably be attributed to one of the most inspired French decorative arts draughtsman of the second half of the 19th century, Édouard Lièvre (1829-1886).

Born in Nancy, Lièvre trained as a painter under the French academic painter Thomas Couture before turning his attention to decorative art design. His earliest important work datable with certainty is the grand vase persan designed for the Christofle firm in 1874, and exhibited by the latter at the Paris Expositions of 1878 and also in 1889 and 1900. Lièvre also designed for the illustrious bronzier Ferdinand Barbedienne. Among Lièvre's important clients were actress Sarah Bernhardt, courtesan Louise-Emilie Valtesse de la Bigne, and Albert Vieillard, director of Bordeaux's ceramics factory and an early Japonisme enthusiast. The suite of furniture designed for Vieillard included the Cabinet Japonais now in the Musée d'Orsay, Paris. Following Lièvre's death, his estate was sold in two auctions in 1887 and 1890. These auction were commended by the press: "It has been a long time since art lovers had the opportunity to see at auction a remarkable collection such as the work of the recently deceased master. His creations will make history..." (see Connaissance des Arts, No. 228, Un créateur inspiré by Roberto Polo, p. 8). It is believed that most of the collection was sold to George and Henri Pannier, owners of the elegant shop, l'Escalier de Cristal. The Pannier brothers produced altered versions of Lièvre's designs, including seven variants of Vieillard's Cabinet Japonais, one of which was sold to Grand Duke Vladimir of Russia and is now in the Hermitage, St. Petersburg.