The Georgian period spanned the reigns of English Kings George I – George IV in England, from 1714 until 1830.  Georgian furniture is known for elegance, simplicity, fine quality, balance and lack of ornamentation. Mahogany, a durable tropical hardwood, with straight grain and rich color, was widely available during the Georgian period, and figures prominently in its antique furniture designs.   This breakfront bookcase has lovely inlay as well.

 

Inlay is a very skilled part of cabinet making. Inlays were done on fine pieces of furniture using exotic wood, such as rosewood or satinwood. The inlays varied in type and thematic material depending upon the time in which they were made. Besides wood, inlay could also be mother of pearl, black ebony or hardstone. Inlays were realized by inserting small pieces on the bed of cut spaces in the furniture, creating a pattern flush with the surface. . The resulting designs are beautiful.

 

The word “breakfront” is used because the front of these furniture pieces has a broken line; the center section is larger and projects out from the side sections.  Breakfronts date to the 18th and 19th centuries in both England and France and are common on bookcases and cabinets.