Mahogany Cabaret Table, Louis XV Period.

An elegant "cabaret table," crafted from solid mahogany from Saint-Domingue, produced in a French port city in the 18th century—most likely Nantes, whose workshops were renowned for their expertise in working with freshly arrived exotic woods. Typology and Use: The "Cabaret Table" According to Rémy-Nicole de Reyniès and Havard. In accordance with the definitions given in Nicole de Reyniès's *Typological Vocabulary of Furniture*, the cabaret table is a small table with a concave or "basin-shaped" top, used for serving tea, coffee, chocolate, or liqueurs, which appeared at the end of the 17th century (Havard, *Dictionary of Furniture*). This type of furniture emerged in the context of the discovery of exotic beverages (tea, coffee, chocolate) and the spread of objects inspired by Oriental designs. Hollowed-out tabletop. The tabletop, crafted from a thick plank of mahogany from the Dominican Republic, has been hollowed out to create a continuous rim, characteristic of the "bowl" shape found on cabaret tables. This technique requires considerable skill and is found in the productions of Atlantic ports (Nantes, Bordeaux), where solid mahogany imported from the islands was readily used. Slight natural cracks, stabilized from below over time, attest to the authenticity of the original tabletop. A small, old graft along the edge is discreet and perfectly integrated. Shaped apron and continuous moldings. The apron rails feature deep shaping, highlighted by a vibrant molding. A remarkable detail: the molding runs uninterrupted along all four legs, completely encircling the base, revealing meticulous construction and a desire for aesthetic homogeneity rarely seen in standard designs. Curved legs, port-like refinement. The four legs are distinctly curved, displaying a refinement and elegance typical of Nantes and Bordeaux production from the mid-18th century. They rest on small, pointed feet, a detail frequently observed in port-based carpentry workshops. Large concealed drawer. The apron opens to reveal a large, perfectly concealed drawer in the front, without knobs or handles, preserving the purity of the lines and highlighting the quality of the wood. Its construction combines oak for the sides and back, and beech for the rear. This is a classic Nantes workshop technique, using locally available European woods for the secondary parts, and reserving solid mahogany for the visible elements. Condition and restoration. The piece is entirely original and in very good condition. We removed an old, overly thick varnish and applied a wax-varnish finish, respecting the original patina and bringing shine and depth to the tight grain of the Saint-Domingue mahogany. Dimensions: Height: 72.5 cm Width: 85.5 cm Depth: 61 cm