Cheffins
Lot 293
An oval tortoiseshell and brass Boulle marquetry ebonised work table, 19th century, the interior fitted with mother-of-pearl pierced bobbins and sewing accoutrement within a red silk and velvet compartment 75 x 57 x 40cm Boullework, a distinguished decorative art form, originated in the 17th century and owes its name to André-Charles Boulle (1642–1732), a master craftsman who elevated this technique to new heights. This intricate marquetry style, known for its elaborate inlays and striking aesthetics, has a rich history influenced by earlier European artistic traditions.The roots of Boullework lie in the marquetry techniques of the Renaissance, which involved inlaying various materials like wood, ivory and metal into furniture surfaces to create decorative patterns. Italian intarsia and Flemish marquetry were particularly influential in shaping the early development of this craft. These methods set the stage for the more elaborate techniques that Boulle would later refine.Appointed as the master cabinetmaker to King Louis XIV in 1672, André-Charles Boulle became a central figure in the world of decorative arts. His workshop in the Louvre Palace was a centre of luxury and innovation. Boulle's work gained widespread acclaim for its meticulous craftsmanship and ornate designs, establishing him as the foremost artist of his era. Boulle perfected the technique by creating two contrasting sheets, usually one of brass and one of tortoiseshell, cut simultaneously to produce matching designs. This method, known as "partie" (brass on tortoiseshell) and "contre-partie" (tortoiseshell on brass), resulted in highly detailed and visually captivating patterns. His designs often featured scrolls, arabesques and intricate motifs, primarily adorning high-end furniture pieces such as cabinets, desks and commodes, as well as smaller decorative objects like clocks and picture frames.During the reign of Louis XIV, Boullework became synonymous with the opulence of French Baroque and Rococo styles. It continued to be highly regarded throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, influencing craftsmen across Europe and significantly impacting furniture design in England, the Netherlands and further afield. The 19th century saw a revival of interest in Boullework during the Napoleonic and Victorian periods, with many antique pieces being restored and new creations inspired by Boulle's techniques. Some loss of tortoise shell inlay in part all over item with lifting of brass inlay and brass mounted edges, some loss of brass mounted edges to legs, small split and loss to edge of lower shelf, some light staining and water damage to the silk interior, one pair of scissors missing, one mother of pearl button handle loose
