This charming antique French walnut wood estanier or standing plate rack is in the Louis XV style. These would have originally been used to holder pewter dishes and utensils, and the lower, larger shelf would have held pots and faience pieces. Two finials flank either side of the lower rack, and the interior back has been lined with a red felt which gives a lively background for plates and accessories. The French often covered the interior backs of vaisseliers (vessel holders) with cloth (Toile de Jouy), colored paper or scenic canvases to enhance the often unfinished interior portions of wood .

The hand carved ornamentation is that of asymmetrical rocaille shells, scrolling vines and flowers and openwork acanthus leaf motifs , all typical of the Louis XV style. The sides have incised lines and scrolled shells. The top has six decorative finials with the front finials having decorative drops. The four feet are scrolled. This antique French standing plate rack has been beautifully carved and will be an attribute to any area it stands in.

CONDITION: Minor old loss of wood on back foot and one finial rim on lower left front, minor rubs to wood. Minor restorations. Please see photos.