Chest of drawers - Brass, Mahogany

A 19th century chiffonière made during the Dutch Empire period, around 1800-1815.
Made from solid Oak & Mahogany wood and glued with beautifully drawn Mahogany veneer. Two large sheets of Flower Mahogany veneer have been selected for the front, which are applied "mirrored" and extend from the top to the bottom drawer.
The smooth-running drawers are constructed in two different ways. The sides are fixed at the front with hand-forged square nails and the back with dovetail joints.
A nice detail that makes the chiffonière not only stately but also elegant is that the drawers increase in size downwards. The drawers have their original locks (key is missing) and are fitted with round brass ring fittings.
The drawers are flanked on either side by blackened solid columns with refined cast brass capitals and bases decorated with stylized waves and leaf motifs. Above the columns, the bobbins are decorated with a cast brass laurel wreath with a bow.
The top is also glued with mahogany veneer and underneath there is a profiled frame.
At the front the chiffonière rests on carved and blackened lion claw feet.
Scattered throughout the piece are old and well-executed restorations to the shrinkage cracks and veneer. The top has some signs of wear from objects that have been slid over it.
The entire chiffonière has a beautiful warm orange-brown color and beautiful satin sheen.