Directoire Game Tables
DIRECTOIRE STYLE
Formed in the wake of the Jacobin Reign of Terror’s bloody guillotine, the Directoire was established to lead France into order through the leadership of a five-member council of directors. It was brief, lasting only from 1795 to 1799, ending with Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état, and was economically tumultuous. Yet it was an essential bridge between the era of Louis XVI and the elaborate Empire style that followed, with Directoire furniture and decorative arts shaped by a royal passion for classical design and an enthusiasm for postrevolutionary France.
Much of the country’s furniture production had halted during the French Revolution when the furniture guilds system was abolished, but during the Directoire period, the cabinetmakers restarted their businesses, such as François-Honoré-Georges and Jacob-Desmalter who established a new workshop called Jacob-Frères. Pieces made in walnut, elm, mahogany and other inexpensive materials incorporated influences ranging from Egypt to Pompeii, with popular forms including the curule armchair based on an ancient Roman design. The aesthetics of the transitional style were more austere than during the monarchy, with court cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Sené, for instance, reimagining his workshop’s neoclassical-style furniture with ungilded surfaces and a reduction of ornamentation.
Symbols referencing the revolutionary tenets of liberty, equality and fraternity were frequently carved into Directoire furnishings, such as the Phrygian cap, clasped hands and the fasces, which is an image of a bound bundle of sticks adopted from the Roman Republic, where it was seen as an emblem of strength through unity.
Elements of the French Directoire style continued through Empire style. Designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine are credited today as major proponents of both movements. The classically inspired furniture design is represented in pieces such as the boat-shaped daybed and the klismos chair, which endured in French interiors as well as in styles abroad, including American Directoire.
Find a collection of antique Directoire chairs, tables, daybeds, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Directoire
French Directoire Inlaid Marquetry Side Table or Desk with Meticulous Inlay
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Antique Directoire table is adorned with intricate diamond marquetry details on the top and skillfully sculpted ring patterns on the sides. T...
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1910s French Vintage Directoire Game Tables
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Directoire Fruit Wood Demi Lune Games Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Continental Directoire fruit wood demi lune games table, early 19th century. Having a demi lune top which when opened becomes a round top, a fruit wood...
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Early 19th Century European Antique Directoire Game Tables
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Table Game French Directoire 19th Century Mahogany Leather Black France
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary game table from the Directoire period made in France. Frame made of mahogany in a beautiful cognac brown shade. Apron divided into rectangular parts of brass and bra...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Game Tables
Materials
Brass
Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Bronze Mounted Style Flip Top Game Chess Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This flame mahogany Louis XVI-style flip-top game table is a stunning example of neoclassical craftsmanship, offering both beauty and functionality. The elegant design features bronz...
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Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Game Tables
Materials
Brass
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Located in Essex, MA
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Antique Game Table, Table à Tric Trac, Mahogany, France, Directoire, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
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France
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Antique French Directoire Brass Mounted Card Table Early 19th Century
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THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR THE MAHOGANY THAT THIS CARD TABLE IS MADE OF IS SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND THIS TYPE OF MAHOGANY IS NOT SUBJECT TO CITES REGULATION.
The folding top opening to reveal a baize lined playing surface, the central rear leg extending with a concealed drawer to support the open top, and raised on turned tapering legs terminating in brass spool feet.
There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is certain to make it a talking point in your home. As such, this card table is sure to take pride of place in your lounge or reception.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 75 x Width 109 x Depth 55
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 5 inches x Width 3 foot, 7 inches x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches
Directoire style
describes a period in the decorative arts, fashion, and especially furniture design concurrent with the post-Revolution French Directory...
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1820s French Antique Directoire Game Tables
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Brass
H 29.53 in W 42.92 in D 21.66 in
French 19th Century Directoire Console Game Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
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19th Century French Directoire Style Walnut Game Table, Chess, Backgammon, Cards
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Directoire game tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Directoire game tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage game tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire game tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for game tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,800 and tops out at $8,750 while the average work can sell for $4,105.