DESIGNED BY JULES LELEU, CIRCA 1924

Details

A magnificent macassar ebony veneered and ivory inlaid cabinet
Designed by Jules Leleu, circa 1924
Gently serpentine front with central cabinet inlaid with floral cornucopia in ivory, opening to reveal shelf-lined interior flanked by shelf-lined cabinets above three short drawers, the whole on an ebonised plinth and ball feet, ebony and silvered bronze handles, fluted columns to either side
64½in. (164cm.) high; 76in. (193cm.) wide; 16¼ (41cm.) deep
The reverse with original affixed MS label Ambassadeur Gonzalo Zaldumbide/Depot no.72-794 Bahut, further partial paper label for storage area, stamped mark J Leleu

Provenance

Gonzalo Zaldumbide.

Literature

Viviane Jutheau, Jules et André Leleu, Paris, 1989, pp. 23-34.

Exhibited

Salon d'Automne, Paris, 1924.

Lot Essay

This lot formed part of the commission from Jules Leleu for Gonzalo Zaldumbide, the Ecuadorian ambassador to France, in 1923/4. It is one of the earliest pieces for a patron who remained steadfastly loyal to Leleu until the 1950s when he returned to his native Ecuador.
The ivory motif on the front of this piece, specific to the Zaldumbide Collection, was designed by Mme Chabert Dupont, a lace designer, who collaborated with Leleu between 1922-1927.
The gueridon and set of four chairs included in the commission were sold at Christie's New York, 21 May 1997, Lots 435 and 436, Galerie Yves Mikaeloff Collection.

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