Napoleon III Server with Exquisite Marquetry, Heavily Chased Bronze, and Breche Violette Marble

This exquisite Napoleon III two door server features heavily chased bronze d’ore mounts and dates back to the 19th century. The piece in which it is modeled after was designed in the 18th century for the King’s Library at the Palace of Versailles, and in fact remains at the palace still. The marquetry is finely detailed, the center featuring tulip wood, a slightly green wood commonly known as tulip or yellow poplar, satin wood, and pear wood all together combining to show the flower motif and urn on its side. Finally, the top is made of breche violet marble.