Table (2) - Mahogany - France, early 1900s

Beautiful pair of burr walnut kidney-shaped end tables, an excellent example of art furniture in the Louis XV or Napoleon III style from the early 1900s, characterized by sinuous lines and very high-quality finishes. The curvilinear "kidney-shaped" silhouette is designed to sit elegantly against walls, at the sides of a bed, or as refined central room desks (bureau de dame). The surface, side edges, and front feature rich marquetry work and are hand-painted with elaborate floral and natural motifs in gold/light wood tones that stand out on a dark ebonized background. The profiles and cabriole legs are adorned with detailed friezes and feet in gilded bronze (ormolu), typical of French artistic cabinetmaking, while the upper edge is finished with a pierced brass gallery to prevent items from falling. Each piece is equipped with a central three-drawer chest decorated with bronze central knobs. Truly rare pieces in good structural condition, they show defects and areas of color loss and veneer lift on the top, but these do not compromise the timeless beauty and charm of furniture that has aged about a century.