19th Century French Renaissance Hunt Buffet ~ Server

Price: $3,980

19th Century French Renaissance Hunt Buffet ~ Server is a magnificent tribute to a bygone era, a time when there wasn't a couple of grocery stores in every neighborhood, and those with means considered hunting a necessary service, as well as an enjoyable pastime.  Here we see a serving style cabinet glorifying the hunt, starting with a stag sculpted in exquisite realism.  A pair of mythical gryffins guard the stag, set upon a pierced foliate background.  The entire embellishment rests on the topmost panel which has been carved with a lion's head flanked by foliates and boldly carved rectangular rosettes.  A convenient shelf separates the topmost panel with the lower panel, also carved to perfection with foliates and rosettes, with another pair of gryffins appearing on each side serving as supports, and flanking the marble inset designed to provide a carefree serving surface.  Just below the marble is a pair of drawers, carved to complement the topmost panel above, with the lion's heads serving as drawer pulls, and rosettes flanking each.  Amazingly lifelike cock and hen grouse appear in bold full relief in the natural grassland habitat, with bounty of the earth carvings on the flanking cornerposts.  Doors and drawers open to provide convenient storage.  The cabinet casework is supported by legs, the front ones being turned, carved and fluted, with the entire affair set upon a base that serves as a lower display shelf, adorned with amazingly intricate molding detail and supported by bun feet.
Circa 1850s
Measures 73H x 49W x 21D; surface 42H