Walnut Burl Wood Liquor Cabinet, France, 1860-1870

This 19th-century French liqueur cellar, also known as a "tantalus", is crafted from high-quality walnut burl wood. The exterior is meticulously inlaid with copper braid, providing a subtle contrast with the dark wood. The sides are adorned with two graceful copper handles, reinforcing both the functionality and majestic allure of the object. In the 19th century, such a liqueur cellar was a status symbol in French and European salons. It was used not only to present precious liqueurs after dinner, but also to store them safely. Thanks to its lockable design (tantalus), owners could protect their spirits from unauthorized consumption by staff or guests.

The interior of the box is lined with padded red silk. This soft padding protected the crystal corks during transport. On the front is a brass lock plate (escutcheon). The original key is present, which is essential for operating the tantalus. The box also contains four original crystal decanters.