The French Régence (1715 -1723) was a period of transition following the death of Louis XIV, the Sun King. This term specifically refers to the period in France when Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, acted as regent for the young Louis XV after Louis XIV's death. This period saw a move away from the pomp and grandeur of Louis XIV's design preferences.  The focus shifted to a more intimate, graceful and asymmetrical refined style. Elegance and curved, flowing lines were a few characteristics of the style, with delicate curves, rocaille, cartouches, garlands and festoons in abundance.

 

Kingwood is a dense, exotic type of rosewood that can be sourced from a very small region of Brazil. It is known for its striking violet-brown color and grain and is very expensive. It was almost exclusively used on  very fine furniture. It has a bright luster, takes a nice polish and develops patina as it ages.

 

Bronze d'oré, also known as ormolu or gilt bronze, was a decorative finish used on luxury furnishings in the 18th and 19th centuries. An application of finely ground high carat gold and mercury amalgam was placed on objects of bronze. When subjected to extremely high heat, the mercury evaporated, leaving behind a lustrous coating of gold.

 

Gilt-bronze trim was used to protect furniture from damage and to emphasize form, and to mount beautiful objects such as candelabra, clocks, lamps, mirrors, pedestals and porcelain vases.