BY MAISON MILLET, PARIS, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Details

A FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED, BRASS-INLAID, EBONY AND TORTOISESHELL TABLE A OUVRAGE
BY MAISON MILLET, PARIS, LATE 19TH CENTURY
The hinged top centred by a cartouche pierced encadrement enclosing a finely painted scene of 'Shooting the Popinjay', opening to reveal a mirrored panel and fitted interior with three wells with blue silk damask-covered removable liners, above a shaped frieze on foliate-hipped cabriole legs joined by a shaped under-tier, the underside of the tier mount incised 'MB'
29½ in. (75 cm.) high; 18 in. (45.5 cm.) wide; 14 in. (35.5 cm.) deep

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

This fine table exemplifies the Romantic historicism popular during the second half of the 19th century. Fashioned by the Maison Millet in the ancien régime inspired Rococo revival style, the table radiates the opulence of the Belle Époque. The model, with its sinuous lines and flowing encadrement enclosing a painted panel, was produced using both kingwood and, like the present example, tortoiseshell veneers. Examples in tortoiseshell, which exude a sumptuous and exotic feel, are far more desirable.

Other examples of this model sold Christie's, New York, 24 October 2006, lot 409 ($114,000) and Christie's, London, 24 September 2008, lot 104 (£51,650).

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