19th Century French Directoire Style Brass & Mahogany Veneered Cylinder Bureau

French 19th Century Brass inlay and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau A 19th century mahogany cylinder bureau with the rectangular top surrounded by a pierced brass gallery, above two mirrored panelled doors, the roll-top opening to reveal a sliding leather writing surface surmounted by three drawers and a shelf, above two frieze drawers, on fluted circular tapering legs headed by asperges and terminated by cast sabot. The mirrored paneled doors, and the roll top are distinguished by its brass inlays that beautifully frame and outline the design of the item. Together with the brass handles, the brass gallery and the brass toupie feet this cylinder bureau displays a modern elegance in perfect balance with the beautifully honey-coloured mahogany veneer. The distinctive cylinder bureau is based on an 18th century design by Jean-Baptiste Vassou (1739-1807, maître in 1767). See: Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français Du XVIIIe Siècle, Paris, 2008, p. 896 fig.a, and p. 893.