17th Century Basque Country Writing Table with Inset Star

A beautifully crafted wooden table from Spain, the walnut was hand-carved at the end of the Renaissance (in the 1600’s). As is the case with most Spanish Renaissance tables, the 1 ½” thick single plank top rests upon tightly turned legs. The edges of the top do not have molding or carvings but receive added character from the large dovetail grooves that were used to construct the table. This table has framing beneath the top plank which houses three horizontally aligned drawers. Each drawer façade has an iron escutcheon in the shape of shield with two engrailed top edges. The keyplate is set within a foliate margent that is surrounded by several layers of molding. Identical carvings and iron plates can be seen on the opposite side of the table, which has faux drawer fronts. Beneath the belt are four turned legs connected by an H-stretcher. Our 17th century Spanish walnut table...

Larger than the typical Louis XV writing desk, this cherrywood bureau de pente was hand-carved in France during the late 1700’s, just after the period ended. This type of desk went by several names, including bureau dos d’âne and secrétaire à dessus brisé, and they almost always featured a fold-down writing surface. Four long, slender cabriole legs, which are typical of Louis XV writing desks, provide a sturdy base for the beautiful desk. The curvaceousness of the legs continues throughout the desk, from the subtly contoured sides to the highly sinuous apron on all sides. Set within the apron are two drawers with round bronze pulls that flank a faux center drawer with a foliate and shell handle. The fold-down writing surface, which has a functioning lock with a foliate escutcheon, opens to reveal eight small arbalete drawers arranged in four columns. Above the topmost drawers of each column is an open storage compartment. There are two more larger storage compartments in the center above a false-bottom hidden compartment. The fold down writing surface is held by a set of polished steel arms. A graceful and functional bureau de pente from the late 18th century, this cherrywood slant top writing desk...