Late 19th Century Henry II Walnut Hutch

c. 1880s-1890s Extravagant and intricately carved wooden French Renaissance hutch cabinet. This massive piece is of walnut construction in the Henry II style popular in 16th century France, with a renewed interest in the mid-to-late 19th century. It features a multitude of carved relief embellishments on its cabinet doors including a fruit and floral motif with decorative scrolls. However, what draws the eye is the central lion-griffin head, flocked on either side by grapevines, that adorns the top of an ornate leaf and scroll design with a plaque beneath to inlay a nameplate or other design element (it was popular at the time to have marble embellishments in these spots). Also included (though they may be hard to spot) are drawers beneath the central surface area; these feature dovetail joints and original brass handles. Each section of this piece is supported by turned, decorative rails with diagonal carved lines and a tapered appearance. The longer you look at this piece, the more