Object Description
A very fine French mahogany and brass Louis XVI Style occasional table (table a ouvrage – meaning work table). Circa 1860
This fine quality table would have most probably been used as Jewellery table as it has an excellent quality brass lock (which has the cabinet makers signature to the back) and the inset mirror to the lift up top.
The good quality mahogany shaped end top with a brass moulded edge opens to reveal a polished mahogany interior with sliding drawer, lidded compartments and inset mirror.
The frieze having a inset single drawer with a beautiful quality brass central lock having the cabinet makers signature (a good French cabinet maker would sign the back of the lock). With decorative brass work this table is raised by four slender tapered columns having brass inset fluting untied by a shaped under-tier raised on brass mounted toupie feet .
Of excellent colour this quality French occasional table is of the finest quality and in excellent condition having been gently cleaning and polished using traditional methods.
We cannot decipher the cabinet makers signature on the back of the lock but this was obviously made by a highly skilled and well known maker of the period.
Tables like this had a variety of uses in the French home from sewing to jewellery,if a visitor arrived unexpectedly the seamstress could quickly put her sewing into the well which could then be used as an occasional table. The quality of these work tables was invariably high as they were inevitably used as drawing room show pieces.
Dimensions:
Width: 27 1/4 inches – 69cm
Height: 29 1/4 inches – 74cm
Depth: 16 1/4 inches – 41.5cm