20th Century Vitrines

A fine French 19th-20th century kingwood and tulipwood marquetry and gilt-bronze mounted vitrine, in the manner of François Linke (1855-1946). The slender single door display cabinet with a red-velvet backing and bowed glass panels surmounted with acanthus and floral gilt-bronze mounts in the style of Léon Messagé (French, 1842-1901), the serpentine shaped front door with an ornate marquetry and ink colored panel depicting wreaths, ribbons and tied acantus leaves, all raised on four cabriolet legs ending with gilt-bronze paw-feet, Paris, circa 1900. Linke was born on 17 June 1855 in the small village of Pankraz, in what is now the Czech Republic. Records show that Linke served an apprenticeship with the master cabinet maker, Neumann, which he completed in 1877. Linke’s work book or Arbeits-Buch records that he was in Vienna from July 1872 to October 1873 at the time of the International Exhibition held there in 1873. He subsequently travelled to Prague, Budapest & Weimar before finally arriving in Paris in 1875. It is documented that he obtained employment with an unknown German cabinetmaker in Paris, and stylistic similarities, photographs and geographical proximity have led some to suggest that Emmanuel Zwiener was the most likely candidate. After a period back in his home town of Pankratz, he returned once and for all to Paris in 1877. In 1878 Paris hosted the third great International Exhibition, a remarkable success for a country ravaged by war only seven years earlier. It is known that the fledgling Linke workshops were active in the Faubourg St. Antoine as early as 1881, during this time he supplied furniture for other more established makers such as Jansen and Krieger. By 1889 another World’s Fair, as they were often referred to in America, took place in Paris. Monsieur Eiffel erected what has become the most iconic building in Paris for the exhibition and the atmosphere of wealth and confidence may well have encouraged Linke to think that he could contribute an important part to the next great exhibition. As early as 1892 this was decreed to take place at the end of the century, in an attempt to pre-empt Berlin from staging the last great show of the century. In 1892, Victor Champier (fr) one of the commissioners for the 1900 Paris Fair had appealed, “Create in the manner of the masters, do not copy what they have made”. It was an appeal against mere reproduction and Linke rose to this challenge in an unparalleled way with his unique display that was to include the Grand Bureau. Determined to outshine the competition at the Exhibition, Linke had set about creating the most ambitious pieces he could envisage, and more extravagant than had ever been displayed before. The items he exhibited marked a transition from the historicist interpretation of Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, an interpretation that was the mainstay of his nearest rivals, to something startlingly new and vital in its immediacy. [6] Together with Léon Messagé he developed a new style for the 1900 Exhibition that paid homage to the Louis XV rococo in the fluidity of its approach, but an approach fused with the lively flowing lines of the contemporary and progressive 'art nouveau'. The Art Journal reported in 1900 on Linke's stand: "The work of M. Linke ... was an example of what can be done by seeking inspiration amongst the classic examples of Louis XV and XVI without in any great sense copying these great works. M. Linke's work was original in the true sense of the word, and as such commended itself to the intelligent seeker after the really artistic things of the Exhibition. Wonderful talent was employed in producing the magnificent pieces of furniture displayed". Linke's stand would have appeared refreshingly new to contemporary onlookers, the traditional designs of the eighteenth century melting seamlessly into an exuberant naturalism. The 'Revue' described Linke's style as 'entièrement nouveaux' and noted "This opinion is universally accepted. Linke's stand is the biggest show in the history of art furniture in the year 1900". It is perhaps the most extraordinary and remarkable aspect of Linke’s personal history that he produced such expensive and luxurious furniture of exquisite quality for the 1900 exhibition without any commission or any potential buyer in mind. [9] At a time when other more established furniture businesses such as those of Beurdeley and Dasson were closing down, he made a huge investment in his stand and the furniture he supplied for it. Linke recognised that to move his business forward he needed to appeal to a more International clientele and the new emerging rich who were at this time amassing fortunes on an unprecedented scale. For this reason he gambled everything he had on his display for the 1900 exhibition. Had this not succeeded he would almost certainly have succumbed to bankruptcy. Linke’s notebook records visitors to his stand from England, Europe, the Americas, Egypt and Japan and including; the King of Sweden, three visits from the King of Belgium, Prince Radziwill, the Prince d’Arenberg, the Comte Alberic du Chastel, Miss Anna May Gould, the American heiress, distinguished furniture makers and the President of France Emile Loubet. This risky endeavour was a resounding success, and with his reputation established, La Maison Linke became the pre-eminent furniture house until outset of the Second World War. The technical brilliance of his work and the artistic change that it represented was never to be repeated. His showrooms expanded into prestigious premises in Paris, in the Place Vendôme as well as the Faubourg St. Antoine where his workshop had been established. He embarked on many important commissions in the years up to the outbreak of the First World War, making and designing furniture for leading international industrialists and bankers. After the 1914-1918 World War, Linke undertook the extraordinary commission to furnish the Ras al-Tin Palace in Alexandria for King Fuad of Egypt, possibly the largest single furniture commission ever conceived, eclipsing even Versailles. Linke flourished and remained active until the middle years of the 1930s and died in 1946 Léon Messagé (1842-1901) was a French sculptor, best known for his sculptural collaboration with François Linke for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. Messagé was also responsible for much of the design and creative work for Roux et Brunet...

20th White shabby chic bookcase display cabinet with four sliding doors for display, with two lower doors. The cabinet is very roomy, with an internal useful depth of 35cm. Comes fro...

Splendid vitrine in the style of Frederick the great. Solid beechwood, finely carved, gilded and hand-painted. Cambered and three -sided glazed bo...

It is difficult to sufficiently describe the quality and workmanship of this vitrine; the photos show more than any words can relate. The mounts are to the standard of the great Linke and may prove to be from his own workshop. Those which flank the door are busts of children...

Jugendstil vitrines in style of Joseph Maria Olbrich, handles made in combination of copper and brass, engraved roses typical for Joseph Maria Olbrich. Professionally stained and rep...

A fine and rare English 19th-20th century Chippendale style carved oak and parcel-gilt console vitrine. The narrow upper two-door vitrine crowned with a carved parcel-gilt peacock fe...

Peculiar vintage display cabinet, with original inscription in English, and manufactory label on the back, consisting of storage compartments with vertically opening glass doors, mad...

A distinctive patina gives this vintage vitrine a romantic air of nostalgia. Made in France in the 20th century, glass windows on all four sides of the case maximize natural light, i...

We present a made to order unique designer Art Deco showcase from 1920, designed and made by a famous designer and carperter Jindrich Halabala - (a Czech designer ranked among the mo...

Hollywood Regency marble and glass cabinet, 1970s.

Originally purchased from the eponymous West Hollywood design shop Hollyhock. A two part cabinet in a carved castle form with overall linear brick pattern. The castle with twin turre...

A wooden vitrine created in Spain circa 1900. Glowing with a historical luster, this tall and slender display cabinet dazzles with its time-earned details and painstakingly carved il...

Work tool display case by Beta industrial design 1970s. (price for single display case availability two) When you purchase vintage design products on our website, the cost includes ...

Production palermitaine du début du XXe siècle, this Empire-revival vitrine is crafted in mahogany with delicate carved details and fitted with glass panels on all sides, allowing fo...

Production palermitaine du début du XXe siècle, this impressive Empire-style vitrine is crafted from mahogany and elm burl, with refined bronze mounts. The structure features two pan...

Eccentric Italian futurist showcase cabinet from the 20's. The cabinet has applications inserted later, such as skull-shaped designs and designs on the sides of the cabinet in the sh...

A stunning pair of Edwardian mahogany display cases line inlaid throughout. The shaped and moulded cornice supported above single astragal glaze...

Vitrine is made out of high quality walnut wood. It has 2 keyed drawers on the bottom. Sides are covered up with glass. Front is covered with 2 sliding doors. There are 2 glass shelv...

Art Deco black vitrine or low board with around edges one glass shelf and black glass top.

Luxurious looking 1970s Romeo Rega style shelving/display in brass plated metal, smoked glass shelves and black formica finish. Your showcase pieces can be illuminated by the mean...

Louis XV, Jewelry Showcase, Vitrine Table, Walnut, Bronze, 1920s. Gilded A fine fully refinished in a gilded 23 Kt leaf with a overcoat of white gold leaf professionally done in 200...

Antique English mahogany double vitrine, Circa 1900.

Blonde wood framed cabinet with mirror back interior thick lipped edge shelves. Sides and top are glass with two sliding glass doors . One door is original one door is eighth inch gl...

Pair of machined solid brass heavy tube faux bamboo 4 tier Italian Mid-Century Modern étagères shelves.   

French cabinet in Louis Seize style Solid beech, gilded. Rectangular, three-sided, faceted beveled, one-door body on conical legs. The door is partially provided with wickerwork. The front, corners and sides are decorated with carved...

A fine French, 19th-20th century Louis XV style mahogany and gilt bronze-mounted Vitrine by Haentges Freres. The single door cabinet surmounted with or...

Sn4481 Stunning Edwardian, mahogany and inlaid china cabinet, having shaped and inlaid upstand, moulded cornice above neoclassical inlays to fri...

A fine and unusual English 19th century Edwardian style painted satinwood and silver-mounted two-door side cabinet with a twin-front-doors and a single apron drawer. The doors, sides...

Exclusive French vitrine in Louis XVI style. Finely engraved and moulded Bronze. Solid beechwood. Three sided glassed, one- drawered body on conical legs. Profile- framed flecked Ma...

Gorgeous asymmetrical 3-tier etagere' table in the style of Fontana Arte', circa 1960s. Chiseled green edge glass shelfs. Walnut dowels support legs topped with polished brass finia...

Secession bookcase with fassetted glass, brass fittings. Professionally stained and repolished.

Step back in time with this charming 1900s French Wood White Patinated Small Vitrine, an enchanting piece that tells a story with its time-worn finish and delicate details. With its softly weathered white and seafoam green patina, this vitrine is a love letter to the shabby chic aesthetic, evoking memories of a quaint Parisian boutique. The glass-front door, accented with a vintage brass key...

Double-door display cabinet. With a slightly curved front and two oval-glazed doors decorated with sculpted mouldings inspired by plants. The side columns, attached to the main body,...

Mahogany and mahogany veneer window opening with two doors with three glass panels and brass hoops, the uprights with half columns. England, 20th century. Measures: High 178 cm...

Italian bookcase in fir, with two doors, hand painted, with glass on three sides, internal shelves. Very sturdy and elegant. In my warehouse I have two of these bookcases as seen ...

This is a very nice well built display / showcase with etching in glass, oak doors, molding details and brass hardware ..finish on case is untouched with perfect crazing and oxidizat...

Rare large pair of early XXth century wooden vitrines. Perfect to display collections (jewels, coins, drawings etc..) or menus for a restaurant? Very decorative and rare!

Double-body cabinet with exposed drawers and display case with hinged doors, teak veneer wood, glass.

English Country-style slat twig and iron etagere bakery rack with 3 shelves and wine rack base.

Charles Dudouyt vitrine with glass upper sliding doors and interior mirror with 2 glass shelves. Lower doors are carved with signature Dudouyt pattern and open to reveal interior s...

A rare and very fine Edwardian mahogany display case by 'Edward and Roberts'. Inlaid with intricate floral marquetry throughout depicting swags, garlands, flowerheads and trailing be...

Decorative small Art Déco exhibition showcase / vitrine by Maison Siegel, Paris. France 1920s. The Siegel company was famous in the Art Déco Epoch for its very high quality exhibitio...

A French vitrine cabinet with glass door and sides, in walnut with rosewood and tulipwood, top with a grey marble top. The ormolu mounts give the cabinet the Louis XV styling tha...

French Vernis Martin style vitrine / display cabinet in walnut and sapele mahogany. A very pretty vitrine / display cabinet in the style of Vernis Martin, this piece is constructe...

Well designed and finished with valuable materials. Ormolu-mounted, carved and inlaid with rare woods. Paolo Buffa was named one of the most important designers in Italy. Architec...

This is a very high quality display case Acrylic showcase in Empire style with 2 columns 2 wing doors in the middle is a lock with a brass door handle, to open it turn the handle. 4...

This exquisite French Louis XVI style gilt wood vitrine, crafted by the esteemed Geo. C. Flint Co. of New York, radiates the elegance and refined taste characteristic of the early 20...

Vitrine model Asnago Vender n. 2 by Mario Asnago and Claudio Vender for Pallucco. Originally designed in 1936, this project step into production in 1983....

Mid-Century Modern Italian gilt aluminum étagère or bookcase with smoked glass shelves. The central part of the bookcase is equipped with a compartment accessible by a smoked glass ...

Available in NY

Large art deco vitrine by Lingel in very nice original condition. The first Hungarian wooden furniture factory was founded in 1864 by Karóly Lingel under the name Lingel Karóly and ...

Year: 1930 Country: French We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the b...

Scandinavian Mid-Century light mahogany display/vitrine cabinet with a keystone shaped top sections supported on a base with a fluted apron and inlaid floral design trim.

Imitation palisander Made in Czechoslovakia Made of wood, glass Original condition.

Dimensions: 90x46x78 cm (Width x Depth x Height) This small minimalistic mid century modern teak credenza was designed by Rex Raab and produced in the 1950s by Wilhelm Renz in Ger...

Well designed and finished with valuable materials. Ormolu-mounted, carved and inlaid with rare woods. Paolo Buffa was named one of the most important designers in Italy. Archit...

Mid-Century Modern Italian Romeo Rega chrome and brass framed vitrine with smoked glasses. The inner part of the vetrine has a glass shelf.

a display case bookcase, wooden and polished metal structure and glass plates. It has 5 glass shelves. The special feature is that it can be easily dismantled with supporting photos,...

Pair of MD bookcases dating from the 60s in oak composed of three levels of storage. A drawer on the bottom and two doors including a glass door that slide into the furniture. Very g...

Exclusive French vitrine in Louis XVI style. Finely engraved and moulded bronze. Solid beechwood. Three sided glassed, one drawered body on conical legs. Profile- framed flecked Mar...