French Marquetry and Parquetry Ormolu Mounted Two-Tier Tea Table after F. Linke

Description

A Gorgeous 20th Century French Marquetry and Parquetry Ormolu Mounted Two-Tier Tea Table. The upper and lower tiers are both circular in shape and connected by four undulating supports in the form of female caryatid figures cast in gilt bronze. Each support is fixed at both ends and rises above the lower surface, creating a stable double-tiered structure. The table is raised on four cabriole legs, which are joined at the base by a concave X-shaped stretcher with a central ormolu finial. The legs terminate in scrolled gilt bronze sabots. The surfaces of both tiers are decorated with floral marquetry set into a radiating parquetry ground. The marquetry includes stems, leaves, and various flower heads made from hand-carved wood in contrasting tones, arranged symmetrically across the circular fields. The ground beneath the marquetry consists of a veneered sunburst pattern with alternating segments of bookmatched wood grain. The design on the lower tier is larger and more complex, while the upper tier features a slightly simplified floral bouquet surrounded by a cartouche-shaped outline formed by veneer cutting. The radiating parquetry is achieved through pieced veneer segments laid in a fan pattern from the center outward. Each level is surrounded by a narrow molded bronze rim with a twisted rope edge. The lower tier includes two cast ormolu handles fitted into the border on opposite sides. Ormolu mounts are applied throughout, including female term figures at the top of the curving supports, rocaille motifs at the corners of the apron, acanthus scrolls at the knees of the legs, and foliate sabots. The apron is scalloped and features asymmetrical gilt bronze ornamentation, with pierced and scrolling details. The stretcher is veneered to match the body and centered by a gilt bronze foliate finial. All mounts are cast, chased, and fire-gilt in the traditional French manner. This piece follows the Louis XV revival style, particularly in its use of curved legs, naturalistic mounts, and asymmetrical ornament. The overall design recalls the work of mid-18th-century ébénistes such as Jean-François Oeben and Charles Cressent, whose furniture often included similar floral marquetry and curvilinear supports. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, high-end Parisian cabinetmakers continued to produce such pieces for elite clientele, often referencing earlier Rococo forms and motifs while using modern methods of veneering and metal casting. The table was intended for serving tea or refreshments, particularly in a salon or drawing room setting. The upper tier would have allowed for the separation of cups or food items, while the lower tier provided space for serving trays and utensils. The presence of ormolu handles suggests it could be repositioned or presented to guests ceremonially. Although not designed to fold or collapse, the table’s proportions and double-level construction make it practical for entertaining while also serving a decorative role. France, Circa: 1930

Details

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