Boulle game table, Regency style - 19th century

Technical sheet. * Style / Period: Historicism, Napoléon III era (in the style of the French Regency), circa 1860-1880. Likely production centre: Paris. * Material: Structure veneered in blackened pear wood. Boulle marquetry: engraved brass and imitation red tortoiseshell. Fittings and bronzes: brass, finished with gold wax. Interior of the apron: mahogany veneer. Top: green felt. * Finish: Glossy closed-pore shellac varnish. * Dimensions: Height 75.5 cm|Width 88.5 cm|Depth 44.5 cm (unfolded dimensions: 88.5 cm X 89 cm). Description of form and decoration (Art history analysis) Furniture with dual function: decorative wall console and gaming table (opening referred to as "in portfolio"). The top with curved lines, the undulating apron, and the sides are covered with rich marquetry of scrolls, acanthus volutes, and arabesques in brass on a background of imitation red tortoiseshell. The structure rests on four curved (swayed) legs that flare towards the base. The front uprights are adorned at the top with brass drops finished with gold wax representing female busts (Spanish women), and end with brass hooves. The centre of the apron is enhanced with a brass medallion depicting a mask. Functionality and condition. The table features a pivoting and folding mechanism. Once the top is pivoted and opened, a square gaming area covered in green felt is revealed. The interior of the frame serves as a storage compartment for gaming accessories. The furniture has undergone complete specialised restoration. All elements of the Boulle marquetry are intact and securely fixed. The surface of the shellac varnish offers a beautiful mirror effect. The pivoting mechanism of the top operates smoothly and stably. The felt cloth and waxed brass elements are clean, with no wear. The furniture is ready to be installed.