I've had this at the warehouse for at least a decade, always intending to have a veined black marble cut to use as inset where the upholstered wood top fits. It is probably a footstool, early 1800s, beautifully carved and crafted, but I think it would be just stunning as doll house furniture - either a desk or a table. Full measurements noted on the photos, it may once have been a child's toy bench, or an apprentice miniature furniture piece. It has fabulous detail and is as beautifully crafted as a huge piece of furniture, far too ornate to just be a stool. The silk velvet covered wood panel fits nearly flush, isn't much padded, really. I suspect it may well have originally had a marble top as I envision it. Typical of apprenticeships, those young men who worked with and for ebanistes (ebeniste) or cabinetry makers in France would periodically be assigned to make a piece of furniture to scale, miniature in size, to test their developing skill levels. Those one-of-a-kind pieces are called "maitrise", and I believe it is most likely what this one is. Very charming! Bro or other antique doll would love it! Found in France.
Very good to excellent, I find no chips, no cracks or flaws to the beautiful old wood. Entirely handcrafted, precision design and neoclassical pillars and feet, ornamentation. A plank of wood covered in ancient silk velvet rests in the recess, but it begs to have a veined black marble inset and to be furnishing in your doll's house. Parlor table, desk? You'll find the perfect spot. Top is 12" x 9", and it is not quite 7" tall as you see it.
