Rare And Beautiful 19th-century Travel Writing Desk In Red Mahogany With A Decorated Red Morocco Leather Top.

A beautifully crafted piece of high quality, this generous Charles X traveling writing desk (1820) features a compartment for a pen holder and a pair of white porcelain inkwells. The rich and beautiful decoration includes a rosette and gilt friezes on high-quality red morocco leather. The interior and underside are lined with marbled paper. The tight grain of the wood is remarkable, as is the choice of leather. The removable pencil compartment reveals three sections below. It is covered with a hinged lid attached to the desk, leaving a small recess at the back. This well-proportioned and highly decorative piece is both practical and functional, displaying all the qualities of early 19th-century Parisian craftsmanship from the Faubourg Saint-Germain. It locks with a discreet bronze keyhole. A fine and distinctive "curiosity," this travel companion is in good condition with a light varnish and would make a wonderful gift.