Small Antique Side Table In The Louis XVI Style, France, Circa 1900

Small round Louis XVI-style side table with one drawer. The tabletop is framed by an openwork brass rail. The brass has been cleaned and polished.

In the center of the tabletop is a floral marquetry inlay made of various types of precious wood: a bouquet of flowers featuring two large, light-colored blooms in citron wood, surrounded by smaller flowers, buds, and a delicate tendril of leaves. The leaves and petals are engraved and inlaid in dark wood. The round rosewood panel set across the center is bordered by a delicate frieze of ribbon-shaped inlays.

The band is decorated with a continuous strip of inlaid ebony and lemonwood, which rhythmically defines the curve. The drawer is flush-mounted and follows the continuous pattern, so that it is barely visible. The drawer itself is crafted from solid oak and joined with dovetail joints.

Three slender, curved legs support the body. They end in brass feet and meet halfway up with a round intermediate shelf. This shelf features a radiating veneer: thin segments extend outward from a central point, creating a sunburst pattern framed by a narrow border frieze.

Ebony, rosewood, lemonwood, and mahogany were used for the inlays and veneers.

Dimensions and Construction

• Top diameter: 36cm | Height: 74 cm
• Materials: ebony, rosewood, lemonwood, mahogany; drawer made of solid oak
• Decoration: floral marquetry on the tabletop; inlaid band of ebony and lemonwood on the rim; radial veneer on the middle shelf
• Fittings: openwork brass rail, brass feet
• Features: one drawer, intermediate shelf
• Construction: dovetail-jointed drawer
• Period: Louis XVI
• Date of creation: 1900
• Condition: professionally restored, polished with a new lacquer finish, ready for use