A fine antique French Directoire style bibliothèque handcrafted of beautiful cherry wood by talented artisans in the city of Lyon, circa 1900. The upper bookcase of this grand chateau piece boasts a stepped crown above two pairs of three-quarter glass doors having the original antique hand blown glass. They open to reveal five interior shelves. The lower cabinet features four molded panel doors that open to reveal a single interior shelf. Narrow, half round columns provide a framework for both the upper and lower doors. Raised on a plinth base with three raised, carved lozenges that are typical neoclassical motifs of the period. All original hardware. A beautiful and rich patina accents the timeless design and elegant lines of the Directoire style, allowing this handsome antique cabinet to mix flawlessly with other periods and styles. 

The open display and closed storage of this monumental Lyonnaise bookcase is functional as well as highly decorative. A statement piece that will easily transform your office or library into a special place where you can display your priceless book collection, family heirlooms, or sports and hunting trophies just as the French did hundreds of years ago. A bookcase such as this one was designed to display fine and rare books (and sometimes sports and hunting trophies) collected by the owner, and to reflect the style and manner of the owner who commissioned its production. During the 18th and 19th centuries in France, formal educations were so expensive that the majority of people couldn't afford one, so books, like the bookcases made to store and protect them, were very costly. Therefore, exceptional pieces like this are becoming harder to find. A versatile piece that would also be perfect in a dining room to display and store glassware, fine china, and silver.
Dimensions:
h - 99"
w - 120"
d - 20"; top d - 12"