France - Époque Louis XV Wooden frame, chinese... Lot 42

France - Époque Louis XV Wooden frame, chinese lacquer, Martin varnish H. 69 cm, W. 88,5 cm, D. 59 cm Cracks, lacks and lifts This elegant little table presents a rectangular cabaret or tray in chinese lacquer. It is adorned with a black and gold landscape decoration in a large central cartouche, with contoured contours, bordered by a red frieze. The belt in black and gold European varnish, with an animated shape, moulded in the lower part, rests on arched legs whose inner part is red lacquered. They are adorned with scraps of painted acanthus staples and end in Bronze hooves. Towards the end of the 17th century, France saw the introduction of new consumer products, symbols of luxury and refinement: chocolate, from South America, and coffee, imported from Asia. These new beverages, which were believed to have healing properties, inspired a new form of furniture specially designed for their use. These were small square or rectangular tables, with a slight rim on the top, which were soon called cabaret tables since they were to serve as supports for the Porcelain cabarets imported at great expense by the various East Indian companies or ordered from the European Porcelain Manufacturers, particularly the Vincennes factory, then the Sèvres royal factory. This form of table, like the one we are presenting, was formed by the combination of a top in oriental lacquer or European varnish and a gilded or varnished wooden base in imitation of China. Light and elegant, they were a huge success until the 1760s. Inventories of the 18th century mention many examples in the interiors of enthusiasts of the time, including this "verny tray of China black background with red edges and aventurine, placed on a gilded carved wooden leg" estimated at 60 pounds in the inventory after the death of the financier Samuel Bernard; or this "cabaret table with lacquer top, with four consoles legs in carved and gilded wood" offered at auction during the sale of Mr. de Presle in April 1792.