A charming and beautifully proportioned French Louis XVI period bureau à cylindre, or petite roll-top writing desk, crafted in rich mahogany and dating to the late 18th century.

The elegant architectural form is highlighted throughout by extensive gilt brass detailing, including fine brass moldings framing the drawers, apron and side panels. The cylinder front opens to reveal the writing area lined with a green leather top and the original gilt embossed triming, while three small drawers above provide additional storage and lend the piece its distinctive bonheur-du-jour character.

Raised on four exceptionally slender tapered and fluted legs, the desk displays the refined neoclassical vocabulary characteristic of the Louis XVI period. Gilt brass collars, sabots and delicate decorative accents beautifully contrast with the warm mahogany.

Elegant, feminine and unusually petite in scale, this antique French bureau à cylindre works equally well as a writing desk, occasional desk, or decorative accent piece. Its compact proportions make it particularly desirable for a bedroom, library, living room or sophisticated contemporary interior.