Large Jules Leleu French Art Deco 5-Door Buffet

Large Jules Leleu French Art Deco 5-Door Buffet or Sideboard

A rare French Art Deco buffet by Jules Leleu with ebony inlaid marquetry and brass mounts, by Jules Leleu (1883-1961) . French - Paris, circa 1939.

A masterpiece of design and craftsmanship by the renowned Art Deco designer and influencer Jules Leleu. The shaped top over twin bowed and convex doors centre by a marquetry butterfly and floral spray of ebony veneered inlay.

Distinctive of all Jules Leleu buffets, each door opens to reveal a sycamore lined interior and a adjustable shelves with its edge veneered, above a brass outlined apron, raised on shaped end supports clad with gilt bronze mounts and sabots. Having four parquetry and a mother-of-pearl inset center door, floral marquetry and brass plated columns flanking a central pair of undulating doors.
The whole raised on a shaped pedestal base on brass feet.

In excellent condition and of wonderful color retaining both of the original keys, an extremely rare piece by one of the key designers from the beginning of the Art Deco movement. This a true masterpiece by Jules Leleu.

Stunning French buffet, sideboard or credenza designed by Jules Leleu for Maison Jansen. Constructed with superior quality woods, including mahogany and lemonwood, perfectly centered, elaborate marquetry with fine mother of pearl inlay.

Very generous sized piece with plenty of storage space.
Depth 21.63 in. x Width 90.75 in. x Height 36.50 in.

Provenance:
From a private estate in Antibes, France, where the credenza remained in the same family for generations. According to the family, the piece was acquired by the original owners in Paris through Maison Jansen, the renowned French decorating firm, during the Art Deco period. While no original invoice survives, this oral provenance is consistent with the quality, scale, and execution of the piece, which aligns closely with furniture supplied for major Parisian decorating commissions of the early 1930s.

The reverse bears original period workshop markings identifying the model as a “buffet à quatre portes,” confirming its execution within a high-level Parisian atelier. Following a comprehensive, museum-quality restoration, this credenza stands as a rare and commanding example of French Art Deco cabinetry, suitable for distinguished residential or collector interiors.

Maker: Jules Leleu (Designer)
Date of manufacture: 1920-1940
Materials: Brass, Mother-of-Pearl, Palisander, Rosewood, Sycamore
Dimensions: H 36.5 in x W 90.75 in x D 21.63 in

Condition: Good. Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Wear consistent with age, materials and use.