1890's Rare French Gabriel Viardot Cabinet in The Japonaise Manner, signed on the base. Gabriel Viaardot was a Parisian cabinetmaker who became inspired by the Chinese-Japonaise style at the 1867 world's fair. From that time on he devoted his considerable talents to producing furniture that reflected his love of all things Asian. He was so diligent in his efforts to make his pieces look authentic that he had panels shipped from China and Japan to incorporate into his work. He also added intricate fretwork and bronze mounts, many of which he made himself by hand. His pieces are both structurally unique and intricate. Truly a genius at work. The cabinet is divided into two sections: The right contains a large cabinet with a single door beautifully set in ebony with a central blue medallion decorated with applied lacquer and shell carvings. This panel was added by Viardot and actually came from China. The interior contains 9 pull-out lined drawers for the display of delicate items. The cabinet sits atop an open bottom display shelf framed in fretwork.