A stunning mid-18th century period Louis XVI buffet, handcrafted by master artisans in Lyon, the historic capital of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Renowned throughout the 18th century for its exceptional furniture production, Lyon was home to some of the finest provincial craftsmen, whose refined neoclassical pieces rivaled those of Paris in elegance and execution.

This exquisite buffet, dating to the 1760s, is constructed of solid walnut and richly figured burled walnut, showcasing the high level of artistry for which Lyonnais cabinetry is celebrated. A rectangular plank top crowns a beautifully balanced façade featuring three paneled drawers, each adorned with burled walnut centers and framed in delicate brass trim or baguettes, with original circular neoclassical drawer pulls. Separating the drawers from the cabinet doors and extending around to the sides is a refined row of bronze doré lozenges and small diamanté motifs that add a subtle layer of gilded ornamentation and enhance the piece’s noble simplicity. Two paneled doors, each inset with burled walnut and fitted with classic shield-form escutcheons, open to reveal a generously sized storage compartment with a full-length interior shelf, ideal for storing serving pieces, linens, or dinnerware. The thoughtfully arranged interior makes this elegant buffet not just a decorative statement, but a practical one as well. Fluted and carved stiles and short toupie feet ground the piece in the clean, architectural lines that define the Louis XVI style — a design movement born from Enlightenment ideals that emphasized symmetry, logic, and a return to classical restraint.

The surface bears a rich, well-aged patina, the result of over two centuries of careful use, lending the wood a lustrous depth and warmth that modern finishes cannot replicate. The French polish enhances the grain, bringing out the natural beauty of the walnut and burled panels. Elegant, timeless, and versatile, this Lyonnaise Louis XVI buffet brings a touch of understated grandeur to both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Dimensions:

h - 36.5"

w - 51"

d - 17.75"

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