Object Description
An early 20th century fine quality French Art Nouveau nest of three rosewood tables signed by Émile Gallé (1846-1904).
This wonderful nest of tables consist of three fine quality rosewood graduated tables with superb marquetry inlaid decoration, possibly in sycamore.
Each table consisting of fine quality marquetry decoration, the largest table with a lily and foliage design, the middle table with a tulip design and the smallest table with a spring crocus design all with the ‘GALLE’ signature.
The table tops all surrounded with a simple square edge leading down to a shaped frieze to all four sides, each table supported on elegant tapered legs, the two larger tables with stretchers.
Émile Gallé (1846-1904) was a French artist and designer considered to be one of the most influential forces in the French Art Nouveau movement.
He was mainly known for the manufacture of glass and faience but in later life in 1883 he built larger workshops to include the making of furniture, after his death the company finally closing in 1931.
In 1885 he opened his first shop in Paris and later shops in Frankfurt and London, also taking part in various International expositions.
In his furniture designs Gallé loved to work with woods of different colours particularly of a lighter palette such as sycamore, pear, beech, walnut and ash, this being the opposite to many of his contemporaries. He employed experienced craftsmen in marquetry and therefore always creating wonderfully fine quality items.
This nest of three tables are all in very good condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home being a very stylish and versatile set of tables.
Reference: similar examples of nests of tables can be found in the book ‘Gallé Furniture’ by Alastair Duncan and Georges de Bartha.
Sizes:
Large:
Height: 28.25” / 71.75cm
Width: 23.75” / 60.25cm
Depth: 14.25” / 36.25cm
Middle:
Height: 22.25” / 56.5cm
Width: 19” / 48.25cm
Depth: 13.25” / 33.75cm
Small:
Height: 15.75” / 40cm
Width: 16.25” / 41.25cm
Depth: 11.75” / 29.75cm