Fine Arts: Cabinets with a touch of class at Sheppards

A pair of 19th-century Boulle pier cabinets with brass and red tortoiseshell inlay take pride of place at the upcoming sale of the contents of Erindale House in Co Carlow

Pair of 19th-century Boulle pier cabinets with brass and red tortoiseshell inlay (€5,000-€8,000)

When did an antique ornament last make you smile? While an ostrich egg is undeniably impressive, decoratively speaking, it’s a trifle bland. In the 19th century, craftsman metal workers found a way to spice them up a little. Sheppards’ Erindale House Contents sale has a delightful example, a squirrel contemplating his breakfast, worth every penny of its estimate of €200-€300.

A lot for the connoisseur of fine furniture is a pair of 19th-century Boulle pier ...