A Boulle Fireplace or Trumeau
Here is what I found in my research:
This is not a fireplace, as it would not be practical to have an
open fire in combination with the body of fine rosewood. It is a
piece of furniture that originally developed from the 18th century
as a piece that was placed in between two tall windows in a room
in order to reinforce the light in the interior and of course,
give proof of the wealth of the owners of the house. This piece
would be called a "Trumeau". It was brought to the homes of the
wealthy during the regency of Napoleon. At first, it consisted
mainly of a rectangular tall mirror and beautifully ornamented
frame with mostly ormolu decoration.
Later, it became a piece of furniture in its own right. It was
equipped with an equally fine decorated wooden stand; the sides of
which were sometimes molded and sculpted, as this piece is with
lions, a symbol of power. This was during the Empire period, from
1800-1820. As a piece of furniture it was against one of the
walls, in a place where it could be seen distinctly, whenever a
visitor entered the room. Trumeaus were part of the interiors of
important and representative rooms until the first quarter of the
20th century. (Note: Margaret Hupkes from the Netherlands provided
this information for me). A close up does show a grate inside with
wood surrounding it. Exceptional carved lions are carved and
mounted on the corners below the marble.
Measurements: 8-3/4"h. x 4-1/4"w.
Price: Inquiries welcomed