At over six feet wide and three feet tall, this walnut console table has a commanding presence. Hand-carved in France during the late 1800s, the wood has been bleached more recently, resulting in a very pleasing beige color that accentuates the mastery-level carvings.

The top has quarter-round molding adorned with niches filled with demi-lune floral paterae. Beneath is a rounded frieze thickly carved with a horizontal fruit margent, bundled by crinkled ribbon, that leaves no space bare. Hidden within the apron are three drawers, activated by pulling from the lower molding. The center drawer, which is more compact than the two flanking it, also plunges downwards, allowing the margent to continue its unbroken path.

Supported by four baluster form legs embellished with leaf cups, fluting, and thick gadrooning with recessed lobes, the console is quite statuesque. The slender legs are further strengthened by four bun feet with recessed lobes and a unique H-stretcher. Several layers of molding give the high-arching stretcher a more angular feel, as the modeling is stepped. At the base of each arch is a rosette nodule encircled by a curled leaf. Our bleached walnut console would be a focal point of any hallway, landing, or living room.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition, with minor nicks and rubs. Light age separations. Traces of old restoration work. The wood has been stripped more recently, with traces of the original finish, most noticeably to the top.