A hallmark of furniture from Normandy, France, is the use of hand-carved, robust oak wood with motifs that reflect the region’s agricultural wealth. This buffet (circa 1830) with steel hardware is a wonderful example of such French provincial furniture.

The master-level foliate and floral carvings are accentuated by the dark brown patina of the oak. Recessed, rolled edges grace the top, which slightly overlap a pair of drawers aligned with rectangular doors beneath. Each drawer is adorned with a border of niches, infilled with foliage, that surround sprawling pierced mounts with large, round pulls. Similar escutcheons embellish the two doors, which are each comprised of a shapely, asymmetrical panel depicting massive, flowering vines. Two more floral margents traverse the top of the door, while a lattice of lozenges can be seen on the outer edge and bottom of each door. The doors open on thick steel hinges to reveal a full-length shelf lined with yellow paper covered with flowers of green, red, blue, and yellow. Our French buffet from Normandy balances the rustic charm of the region with sophisticated craftsmanship, allowing it to be used in houses with a variety of interior design styles.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor age separations. Light nicks, losses, and rubs, most noticeably to the top. Functioning lock with key. Slight wear to the interior lining. Evidence of old fills and repairs, including a door and one foot.