This impressive walnut buffet deux corps was produced in France during the 1800’s. The two-body buffet was hand-carved with bombe (convex) faces and is in the style of Regence. The Regence period occurred after the reign of Louis XIV, when France was ruled by Philip II (Regent of France), as the future king, Louis XV, was considered a minor.
As with most furniture from the Regence, our deux corps features asymmetrical details with an overall symmetrical composition. A thickly molded crown with quarter round edges has a wonderfully carved scalloped leaf over two scrolls. The doors of the upper body have an asymmetrical top border with several layers of molding that wraps around the entire door. Inside of the molding is a raised rectangular panel with canted corners. Hand-carved interwoven C-scrolls with leaves abut against the canted sections and are angled towards the door’s corners. The doors of the lower body are adorned in the same methods and have straight top borders. All doors open on brass hinges, with the upper body interior having three shelves, while the lower body has one.
Both bodies (most noticeably along the raised vertical mullions) are embellished with asymmetrically aligned elongated C-scrolls and flowering leaves where the scrolls meet. This ornamentation can also be found on the drawers of the lower body, with the flowers being exchanged for interlaced branches that run behind the brass pulls. The two drawers are separated by a square panel adorned with C-scrolls and a flowering leaf, which is also found on the outside of the drawers. The edges of both sections (including the rear edges!) have magnificent carvings of foliate margents that terminate in acanthus curls. A scalloped leaf with flowering leaves embellishes the highly shaped apron that flows seamlessly into four Dutch pad feet.
Our 19th century Regence style buffet deux corps was made with great attention to detail and the walnut maintains a rich warm patina. It will make for a striking focal point of any room that needs case storage. Originally designed to be displayed in dining rooms, this deux corps can be placed in a kitchen or bedroom as well.
CONDITION: Good antique condition with wear commensurate to age and use, including minor age separations, nicks, and rubs. Old repair to crown. Paper shelf lining of the lower body interior has rubs and buildup. The left drawer has guides from an old cutlery divider. Please see photos.
