Drinks cabinets
Liqueur cabinets were invented at the end of 18th century with intent to make carriage travels more pleasant. They were in essence part of the “Bourgeoise” way of life in the 19th century. They are usually composed of three different parts: a box, a glassware holder, and glassware. The latter consists of one or several liqueur carafes and a series of small glasses. These boxes, containing “liqueur sets” are the perfect example of the French art-de-vivre and entertainments, particularly during Napoleon III reign. Soon liqueur cabinets flourished, fitting in the emerging bourgeoisie’s tastes. Precious woods, blackened woods and tortoiseshell were used, embellished with marquetry edgings, brass “marqueterie Boulle”, lemon tree, ebony or ivory inlays. Some of them are further embellished with bronze mountings or mechanisms. The crystal or molded glassware can be transparent or colored, twisted, engraved, gilded, and perfectly matches the precious box. Some of these liqueur cabinets were created by famous craftsmen like Tahan, Imperial supplier, and Alphonse Giroux. In the 20th century, liqueur cabinets, although far less common, lasted till the Art Deco period, when they were superseded by bars.
