FIRST HALF 20TH CENTURY, ALMOST CERTAINLY SUPPLIED BY JANSEN

In 1880 Henri Jansen left his native Holland and set up shop at number 9, rue Royale, Paris, selling furniture and furnishings; he was soon also making furniture and creating decors in the sinuous Art Nouveau style. The results were exhibited in the World's Fairs of the day, including the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. By the early 20th century, however, the firm had become less innovative, concentrating on antique furniture and reproductions, and producing period Louis-Louis interiors that matched the conservative tastes of both its robber-baron clientele (Vanderbilts and Rockefellers) and its aristocratic patrons (Boni de Castellane and King Leopold II of Belgium). It was not until Stéphane Boudin (1888-1967) took the reins that Jansen became as chic as it was grand - with a particular emphasis on chinoiseire and whimsy. These tables, with their naturalistic palm legs, are characteristic of Jansen's production.