This wonderful tour-de-force of marquetry was created in France, C.1860. The front depicts two birds contemplating the fate of a juicy looking cicada which stands on the branch between them. No effort has been spared the present this scene as a true painting in woods. It is surrounded by sophisitcated strapwork of kingwood and purpleheart, with floral vignettes of equal quality to the top and the drawer.
The ormolu also retains its original gilding.