French onyx and enamel miniature table cabinet

French onyx and enamel miniature table cabinet
French, early 20th Century
Height 56cm, width 39cm, depth 17cm
 
This elegant dressing table cabinet uses luxurious materials on a delicate scale, resulting in a piece that is both practical and luxurious.
 
The cabinet is crafted in green onyx and set with contrasting pink, veined marble, and has an architectural design, formed as a three-tiered structure. Its curved upper pediment is mounted with a gilt bronze shield with feathers, and each of the three tiers are distinguished by pierced, gilt bronze galleries which offer decorative display surfaces. The galleries are further ornamented with exquisite hanging lobes of champleve enamel patternwork.
 
The front of the cabinet is set with a large, rectangular mirror, which is framed with beaded gilt bronze and further decorated with champleve enamel lobes around the edges. The mirror can be opened at a clasp, and it swings forward as a door to reveal two interior onyx shelves. The entire cabinet is set upon a rectangular base, all sitting on intricately cast gilt bronze feet.