Object Description
Antique writing table by Beurdeley after a model by Adam Weisweiler
French, c. 1880
Height 74cm, width 83cm, depth 46cm
Crafted by the prestigious 19th century furniture makers Beurdeley (active 1818-1895), this extraordinary writing table showcases a diverse range of styles and techniques, celebrating contemporary technological innovation.
The rectangular top of the table is inset with three superb 17th century Japanese lacquer panels, all framed by an elegant ormolu border. In the central panel, a striking carp moves through stylised waves and foliage, surrounded by a wide geometrical border that features several foliage-filled gold-coloured squares. The outer two panels complement the central illustration with various geometric designs that pair the eye-catching gold ground against the abyss of the black background. Mother-of-pearl detailing adds a further eye-catching feature to the tabletop. Below is a frieze inset with three panels. The central panel features a pair of sphinxes who flank the escutcheon, which is cast to depict a female mask. Fruit swags tied together with a ribbon beautifully decorate the two flanking panels and continue around the side panels of the table.
Alongside its beautiful appearance and craftsmanship, this table offers the viewer hidden surprises: a secret right-hand drawer can be opened by a hidden button on the back panel, and a concealed button on the inside of the large drawer reveals a beautiful mirror. The interior of the top compartment is decorated with a similar design to the delicate dotted parquetry trellis pattern adorning the interior and outer drawer edges. The table stands upon four tapering legs, the top of which are cast to depict stunning caryatids above repeating foliate designs and terminate in ormolu feet.
The underside of the wooden carcass is stamped ‘BEURDELEY / A PARIS’, which testifies to the important design history of this magnificent item. For centuries the Beurdeley firm has crafted high quality pieces for elite clients including Napoleon III. This table is a highly impressive example of the calibre of their work, modelled after a design by Adam Weisweiler (d. 1820) for Marie Antoinette’s bedroom at the Château de Saint-Cloud.
The fact that this piece was sold directly by the Beurdeley family in around 1920 indicates that the maker most likely kept the piece for his own enjoyment. Furthermore, the extraordinary writing table was previously sold by Christie’s, London in 1998 and was in the collection of the Gérard Calvet Gallery in Paris.
Of the utmost craftsmanship and displaying immense innovation, this museum-worthy masterpiece would enhance even the best collections worldwide.