Side table - Hardwood

A truly unique and visually striking French Chinoiserie/Japonisme side table or stand carved and ebonized hardwood with two levels, and with highly coveted Longwy ceramics tiles! circa 1890-1900.
Late 19th century, France, in the style of the famous Parisian furniture maker Gabriel Viardot (1830-1904), who specialized in the manufacture of exotic furniture in Oriental Chinese and Japanese styles, which he encountered at the World Exhibition of 1867.
The top is square and the lower shelf is inlaid with finely detailed glazed ceramic tiles from Longwy faience. Longwy enamel, or émaux de Longwy, is known for its brilliant, richly saturated colors, depth and intricate designs, thanks to a groundbreaking enameling technique comparable to cloisonné.
They are also distinguished by a striking, finely craquelé effect of the enamel across the entire surface, a prominent feature of these tiles that makes them really stand out!

A frame of solid, ebonized wood, with delicate incised woodcarving along the ceramic panels and continuing on the sculptural supports, featuring a graceful openwork frieze, resting on carved, straight, square legs, connected by an openwork crossbar in the middle, and ending in integrated block feet in the shape of horse hooves.
Here and there there are a few woodworm holes but it has been treated and is no longer active.

Height 73 cm
Width 40 cm
Depth 40 cm