19th Century French Breton Oak Cabinet

Interesting 19th Century French Breton oak cabinet with exceptional bobbin turned detail. This lovely small cabinet is made of the finest quality oak with the majority of the decoration throughout being provided by large numbers of hand turned bobbins, arranged in rows and in circular patterns on the cupboard doors. This form of decoration was a speciality of the Breton workshops in France from the 16th century onwards and this charming piece is an excellent example of these traditional skills still being used in the 19th century. Aside from the bobbin turning, the piece is also panelled throughout and the sheer number of different mouldings used is a tribute to the skills of the makers. Another example of this skill is demonstrated by the opening mechanism for the cupboard section, the central opening doors are not hinged as might be expected but instead they slide open. Inside the cupboard are two adjustable shelves and there is a small drawer disguised in the shaped part of the frieze ornamented with another roundel of bobbins. This lovely piece has acquired a very nice colour and patination and is sure to add a little decorative flair to any interior.