A pair of late 19th century French kingwood bombe-shaped cabinets, dating to the Belle Époque period (circa 1870–1914), each surmounted by a white Carrara marble top with softly rounded edges. The cabinets are by E. Kahn & Cie. of Paris, with the ormolu mounts stamped “KAHN” to the reverse.
 
Each cabinet is fitted with a single door, opening to reveal a shelved interior, and is extensively decorated with floral ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts. The bombe form is present to both the front and sides, and the cabinets feature quarter-veneered kingwood detailing to the front and sides. The mounts frame the doors and continue around the sides, reflecting the level of workmanship typical of high-quality French furniture of the period.
 
The rich kingwood veneers, curved form, and decorative ormolu show the influence of 18th century French design, revived during the Belle Époque with skilled workmanship. Offered as a matching pair, these cabinets work well as statement pieces in any room, suitable for symmetrical placement or decorative storage in a variety of interior settings.
 
These cabinets were formerly used as film props for hire, meaning they may have featured in period films or television productions.
 
The cabinets are fitted with Vachette Frères locks. Founded in 1864 in Troyes and renamed Vachette Frères in 1865, the firm became one of France’s leading locksmiths of the late 19th century. With workshops in Troyes and later Sailly-Flibeaucourt, Vachette supplied locks to many Parisian ébénistes. Their locks are commonly found on high-quality French furniture of the Belle Époque period.
 
About the Maker
E. Kahn & Cie. were active in Paris during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, operating from Avenue Ledru-Rollin, with a London branch in Charlotte Street near Oxford Street, and workshops in Clerkenwell. The firm was known for producing high-quality furniture inspired by leading 18th century makers, including Riesener, Weisweiler, and Stockel. Their work was sufficiently respected that François Linke, one of the most important French cabinetmakers of the period, allowed Kahn to reproduce illustrations of his designs in their catalogues.