A rare and striking antique French Napoleon III Second Empire Period (1852-1870) convertible rafraichissoir wine cooler drinks table by the ébéniste to the Emperor Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan (1813-1892)
Crafted by Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan, the esteemed cabinetmaker to Napoléon III, this wine table is a remarkable example of 19th-century European artistry, ingenuity, and fine craftsmanship. Executed in timeless Louis XV style, ebonized fruitwood featuring sophisticated Boule style Queen marquetry with inlays of mother of pearl and brass, adorned with ornate patinated bronze mounts, having a pierced brass galleried top fitted with a cartouche shaped handled serving tray, lifting to reveal a spacious open well with removable ice bin metal liner. Over an elegant scalloped apron, rising on long shapely cabriole legs affixed with eye-screws to accommodate the serving tray converting it to a stretcher style lower shelf, terminating on casters. circa 1860
Signed, retaining the original metal label that reads "TAHAN FOURNISSEUR DE L’ EMPEREUR Paris" (Tahan Supplier of the Emperor) to the interior compartment.
Could also be used a bar cart, tea service table...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Shell Tray Tables
MaterialsMetal, Brass, Bronze