French Empire Mahogany Bed

Honduran mahogany lumber and pommele sapele veneer were used in the execution of this commission. Many hours of research resulted in images and details that defined the elements of the French Empire style which were incorporated into the design of this king-size bed. New brass castings were made from antique pieces found locally for the horse-drawn chariot and the Bacchus-like mask inset in the headboard and footboard. The remainder of the brass detailing was was imported from a brass foundry in England that specializes in castings made from antique decorative furniture details. All the initial contacts, negotiations, exchanging of preliminary sketches and eventual finished drawings were done via the internet. The piece was then crated and shipped to the client in Wisconsin.