A Louis XV style gilt-bronze mounted kingwood and parquetry bureau à rognon late 19th century

the superstructure mounted with twin-light candelabra and fitted with a clock and small compartments, the leather inset writing surface above a frieze drawer on curvilinear legs

This is a very decorative object on an impressive scale which is in 'Country House' condition. Some bronze mounts associated and some tarnished. Re-gilt bronzes and re-polished veneers. There are some losses to veneers and some lifting to the veneered surface at construction points and others. The cherubic candelabra are loose. Construction cracks to the piece, that may require attention - it is solid though. There are repairs at these construction sites where veneers have moved in the form of polish, filler and glue. There is lifting to some veneers, notably to one side of the central well. Some drawers and cupboards a little stiff. Some drawer interiors with Clock is good although chips to enamelled face and there is no winder. The leather writing surface with ink stains and old marks. This piece is conceived to be seen in the round as the back is decorated although it works just as well against a wall as it was in Lord Ballyedmond's study. A statement object.
"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."

The delightfully exaggerated bombé and serpentine curves of the present bureau are typical of the fin de siècle take on the Louis XV style of the late 19th century which fused rococo opulence with fluid Art Nouveau designs and finely cast gilt-bronze mounts. Relatable models were created by the greatest ébénistes of the period such as François Linke, Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener and the Maison Millet. See for instance a bureau de dame by Linke (index number 707) sold Sotheby's New York, 22 October 2008, lot 180, and a bureau à rognon attributed to Théodore Millet sold Sotheby's New York, 15 April 2011, lot 297.