Louis XV Style Kidney-Shaped Table – Maison Gouffé
A magnificent kidney-shaped table from the Napoléon III period, perfectly embodying the Louis XV tradition through the elegance of its lines and the refinement of its craftsmanship.
The ingenuity of Maison Gouffé lies in the practicality of this charming piece of furniture. The central section, fitted with a leather writing surface, is hinged and can be used either as a writing desk or a reading stand. On either side, two small compartments provide storage space, one of which contains a complete writing set.
Crafted primarily in kingwood veneer, the table is distinguished by its exquisite marquetry decoration. Various wood species are skillfully combined to depict delicate landscapes and lively village scenes adorning the frieze and fall-front panels.
The name of this table derives from the shape of its top, convex on one side and concave on the other, resembling a kidney. During the eighteenth century, this term was among the many designations given to the small occasional pieces created by cabinetmakers to satisfy a clientele constantly seeking elegant, movable furnishings that contributed to the luxury and refinement of an interior.
Located at 46 and 48 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, in the heart of Paris’s renowned furniture-making district, Maison Gouffé was one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality furniture during the second half of the nineteenth century. During the Belle Époque, the firm gained considerable renown for its production of so-called “artistic” furniture, combining the tradition of classical French styles with advanced mechanical manufacturing techniques. This approach enabled the company to offer finely crafted furniture at accessible prices without compromising quality. Specializing in refined cabinet-making ensembles, including Louis XV bedroom suites, Louis XVI salons, and Renaissance-style dining rooms, Maison Gouffé successfully adapted to changing tastes throughout the twentieth century. It achieved renewed prominence between the 1930s and the 1960s through the contemporary furniture designs of its celebrated decorator, Jean Royère.
Napoléon III Period
Dimensions
- Height: 70 cm (27.6 in.)
- Width: 70 cm (27.6 in.)
- Depth: 37 cm (14.6 in.)
