Geometric parquetry designs (frisage)

Examples of furniture made by Parisian cabinetmakers illustrate the various parquetry techniques used in the eighteenth century and the variety of compositions that could be created by simply playing with the wood grain. The resulting designs are illustrated by a compact display of commodes, small armoires, writing desks and corner cupboards, presented on shelves. These pieces, most of which demonstrate the patterns made with wood, are accompanied by a large armoire attributed to Joseph Poitou on which the “butterfly wing” kingwood parquetry forms the background for a decoration in gilt bronze – a combination characteristic of Parisian furniture – and an unusually large Régence commode acquired in 2006 with the support of the heritage fund of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. The display case currently features pieces from the Saint-Cloud factory.

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