French Tulipwood Lady's Desk Known as

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11" (28 cm.) An elegantly-shaped lady's desk is composed of exotic tulipwood,has a deeply- slanted front that hinges open to form a writing surface,and which gains its elegance from the bombe shaping of the apron and legs; having a well-fitted interior with gilt beading above a frieze drawer and with gilded bronze decorations and mounts including Medusa figural heads on the front legs. Excellent condition. French,mid-19th century,the "bonheur du jour" literally translating to daytime delight,was a delicate lady's desk first introduced toward the end of the 18th century. Designed to be placed at any point within a room,the back of the desk was always beautifully finished,as is the case with this example.