Bureau / Tric Trac gaming table, precious wood, Louis XVI, circa 1800 – France

Exquisite and sophisticated Tric Trac table made from magnificent precious woods, including walnut and lemon wood, featuring luxurious marquetry on the top with a scenography of a chessboard framed by two cartouches displaying two diamond-shaped profile figures, creating a scene with strong visual and geometric aesthetics. This top, originally reversible and now fixed by hinges (easily removable) to serve as a desk, presents a mirror where a gaming mat for cards and dice used to be. The interior houses the space dedicated to the game of Backgammon, with perforated sides to collect the game pieces. This setting is framed by two spacious side compartments serving as storage for the various elements needed for the different games that this Tric Trac table offers. Tric-Trac was one of the most popular pastimes in France in the 18th century. It is one of the oldest known games, existing already in ancient Mesopotamia. The game arrived in France in the 17th century and quickly became popular among the French high society. During the French Restoration (1814-1830), the game experienced a revival, but its practice completely disappeared by the end of the 19th century. Tric-Trac tables were a symbol associated with the monarchy, as the game was very popular during the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, the latter being particularly passionate, and it is even said that he continued to play Tric-Trac with his son once imprisoned during the Revolution. They were considered a symbol of the monarchy and power, which is why many were destroyed during the French Revolution. These are wonderful pieces of cabinetmaking, rectangular in shape, with a splendid and multifunctional finish, as in addition to being a game board, they could serve as a desk, a playing surface for cards, and sometimes, the table's top featured an inlaid chessboard or checkers. A piece of excellent quality and high artistic level, highly sought after by major collectors.