Antique Furniture Glossary: D

A • B • C • D • E • F • G • I • L • M • P • R • S • T • V Terms Defined: demi-lune, dos d'ane, duchesse brisée

Demi-lune

type of crescent-shaped table, commonly placed against the wall. Sometimes referred to as “half moon.”

Examples from our gallery: Very fine, French, Louis XVI period, brass mounted console desserte (Item No. 927) In solid mahogany and mahogany veneers. Of demi-lune form with three functioning drawers and original hardware. Circa 1780. Stamped "E. AVRIL JME". (Etienne Avril, Master 1774, was a principle supplier of furniture to Marie Antoinette at the Château de Saint-Cloud.) 58" wide by 35" high by 18" deep Pair of Italian, Neoclassical, white-painted and parcel-gilt demi-lune console tables (Item No. 895) Circa 1785. 35¾" high by 49¾" wide by 25½" deep Very fine and rare Italian, Neo-classical period, Marquetry Inlaid, Demi-lune commode. (Item No. 891) From Rome, with scenes displaying ancient Roman ruins. Late 18th century. Italian, Baroque demi-lune console table (Item No. 465) From Tuscany in solid walnut. Early 17th century (restored). 70" wide by 30" deep by 38" high French, Louis XVI style, demi-lune fold-over table (Item No. 164) Opens to a 54" round in solid walnut with rosewood banding around the apron, bronze florets above each leg and brass capped feet. 19th century. 32" high by 52" diameter (open)

Dos d'ane

A drop-leaf desk.

Examples from our gallery: Louis XV style, chinoiserie secretary ("dos d'ane") (Item No. 394) Painted and gilded with black lacquer base. Late 18th or early 19th century. 29" wide by 18" deep by 38" high

Duchesse brisée

A chaise longue in two parts in which the portion for supporting the legs is longer than the seat element.