North European Art Nouveau Demi-lune Shaped Oak Pedestal Writing Desk

Of exhibition quality a North European Art Nouveau Demi-Lune Shaped Oak Pedestal Writing Desk, a superb example.

North European - Possibly Scandinavian. Circa 1900.

The shaped and crossbanded top having chevron segmented veneers within a moulded surround below two short and one longer channelled carved frieze drawers , above a kneehole recess flanked by a pair of doors with chevron segmented veneers having shield inlaid motifs and decorative metal clad escutcheons to the inner upper corners. The interior fitted with sliding trays and shelves, the outer corner pillar terminals with stylised carving surmounted by foliate carved capitals and with carved frog sentinels to the top. The sides and rear with a moulded frieze and rectangular panels including a cupboard door fitted with two shelves, all raised on a moulded plinth base.

This distinctive Art Nouveau desk appears to be a one off commission piece of exhibition quality. 

An attribution has not been possible at this stage but research continues into who made / designed this wonderful desk. There are many attractive details which we have not seen before, the inclusion of carved frogs have a significance but their prominent location is more likely to appertain to the request of the original owner rather than the hallmark of the cabinetmaker. 

The quality of carving can be evidently seen in this section as the frogs are not applied but carved from a large section of timber which incorporated the moulded section of the top of the desk. The carving to the corner pillars starts from the top with depth and gently fades to nothing which is then picked up upon the base of the pillar….exquisite design from a master craftsman of his time.

Of fine colour and patina this extremely rare and sophisticated desk is an impressive piece for the serious connoisseur / collector.

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance