Скачать или смотреть What Is a Bureau Plat? French Writing Desk Explained

What exactly is a bureau plat?
This short video breaks down the origins, design features and craftsmanship behind one of the most iconic French writing desks of the 18th and 19th centuries.

The bureau plat emerged in early 18th-century France during the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV. Unlike heavier pedestal desks, the bureau plat introduced an elegant open design with flowing cabriole legs, generous legroom, and a wide writing surface suited for correspondence, study and administration.

In this video, we explore an exceptional late-19th-century example, circa 1889, featuring:

• A softwood carcass veneered in kingwood
• Decorative parquetry in padauk
• Rich gilt-bronze mounts throughout
• Its original gilt-tooled red leather writing surface

Desks of this quality represented the very peak of French cabinetmaking, highly prized by major collectors and found in the finest Parisian interiors.

If you appreciate antique furniture, French decorative arts, or the history behind specific pieces, this guide offers a clear introduction to what makes a bureau plat truly special.

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