Bookends - Wood - extendable book stand

Antique extendable bookstand / booksupport – Mercury, grotesques & fables – noble marquetry (intarsia) – Italy/France, ca. 1880–1900

Decorative, extendable table bookstand from the Historicism era (late 19th century). The piece captivates with its elaborate ornamental design: The back wall features a painted depiction of the god Mercury / Hermes in a meander frame, while the fold-out side panels are adorned with fine fantastical creatures and birds in a Renaissance grotesque style.
The width can be adjusted flexibly to accommodate the number of books; for space-saving storage the side panels are foldable. A rare, bibliophilic collector’s item for the classical library.
Object details
Manufacturer / origin: Unknown master; France or Italy (stylistically related to Sorrento works).
Year / period: Historicism / Belle Époque (ca. 1880–1900).
Style: Neo-Renaissance / grotesque.
Technique: High-quality intarsia work (marquetry) on burl veneer, combined with fine hand painting and micro-segmented decorative borderlines.
Material: Burl veneer (walnut/Thuja grain), ebonized edges, softwood core.
Dimensions: Length variably from 39.0 cm to 65.2 cm | Depth (Spread): 13.8 cm | Height: 17.9 cm
Condition
Good, authentic original condition with pleasant patina of age.
Extending and folding mechanism works perfectly.
Wood substance is stable; a natural seasoning crack on the left back wall (no impact on stability).
The veneer is secure; age-typical craze lines in the historic finish, light wear along the edges, and localized age spots in the wood emphasize authenticity.
No missing pieces in the marquetry, paint colors well preserved.
Bottom side with original, age-appropriate rubbed veneer.
Shipping: Will be packed for transport in a secure and impact-resistant manner; insured shipping with tracking.