French 19th Century Guéridon Table Lion's Paw Feet Original Marble Top

19th Century Louis Phillipe Period Guéridon circa 1840 French circa 1840 Guéridon d’Époque Louis-Philippe circa 1840 Crafted of mahogany and mahogany veneer Finely turned and intricately carved in the typical French Empire style Retaining the very thick and well made Original grey marble top Shaped moulded edge and concentric circles Designed to stop spilt drinks from running off the sides The marble top is supported by Segmented Flame mahogany curl veneered mahogany apron frieze With a beautifully beaded ball turned edge moulding below This leads down to an Elegant Cuban mahogany base Thick, finely turned and intricately carved fluted baluster column With bulbous Reeded vase form This, in turn, sits on a finely carved mahogany tri-form base Consisting of three superbly carved legs with fine details Adorned with scrolls and acanthus leaves Terminating on large carved Empire style lion's paw feet Which sit on original brass castors Table has a lovely warm colour Marble top with no damage apparent Wear consistent with age Stable construction Ready to go straight into a home This quality guéridon table and the marble top are in excellent condition overall This magnificent mahogany French marble-topped Guéridon, or centre table, from the d’Époque Louis-Philippe circa 1840, is crafted from mahogany and mahogany veneer. It features fine turning and intricate carving, emblematic of the French Empire style and stands as a fine example of authentic antique craftsmanship. Guéridons became a staple in French furniture design during the 18th and 19th centuries. The table's robust construction, subtle decorative elements, and the incorporation of grey marble are all indicative of the Louis-Philippe period. The table retains its original, substantial grey marble top with a contoured, moulded edge and concentric circles, designed to prevent spills from dripping off the edges. The marble is supported by a segmented flame mahogany curl veneered apron frieze, with a beautifully beaded ball turned edge moulding beneath, leading down to an elegant Cuban mahogany base. This guéridon table features a robust, intricately carved fluted baluster column with a bulbous Reeded vase form atop a finely carved mahogany tri-form base. The base boasts three exquisitely detailed legs, adorned with scrolls and acanthus leaves, terminating in a large Empire style lion's paw feet resting on original brass castors. The table exudes a warm hue, complemented by a marble top free of any apparent visible damage. Showing wear appropriate for its age, the table's structure is solid and it is ready for immediate placement in a residence. The guéridon table and marble top are in overall excellent condition, measuring 74 cm (29.1") in height and 98 cm (38.6") in diameter. Its neutral grey marble top, with a contoured moulded edge and concentric circles, is designed to complement rather than compete with items placed on it. Moreover, its thoughtful design prevents any spills from dripping off the edges during social gatherings. Gracefully elegant and impressively striking, this table would make an outstanding statement piece in an entrance hall. It epitomises a functional yet refined element of French furniture heritage. Guéridon Tables, Their Appeal & Brief History For antique furniture enthusiasts there is a timeless allure and enduring charm to antique guéridon tables that few other pieces embody; these tables are rich in history and artisanal quality and have stood the test of time to become prized possessions among collectors and aficionados. Collecting these items is akin to embarking on an historical odyssey tracing the evolution of design and the skill of the artisans who crafted these enduring works of art. In the realm of collecting, the provenance, condition, and authenticity of a guéridon table are crucial in assessing its value and singularity. Displayed prominently or integrated into contemporary interiors, antique guéridon tables captivate with their elegance, becoming cherished heirlooms that defy the march of time. They stand as a testament to the enduring allure of traditional craftsmanship and design. These tables are more than mere functional pieces; they encapsulate the spirit of the eras in which they were crafted, providing a tangible connection to the extensive narrative of furniture history. An antique guéridon table is essentially a small, round, or occasionally oval table, celebrated for its elegant design, versatility, and the meticulous craftsmanship it showcases. However, there is so very much more to them than this. The term "antique" refers to items typically over a hundred years old, reflecting the design aesthetics and expert craftsmanship of bygone eras. The term “guéridon”, denotes a petite, portable side table resting on one or more columns often sculpted into mythological or human figures; originating in 17th-century France from the tradition that marries elegance with functionality the guéridon became a sought-after decorative item. The earliest guéridon tables featured supports shaped after figures from African, Greek, and Ancient Egyptian traditions. Beyond their striking supports, guéridon tables were adorned with other embellishments such as termini, tripods, columns, and figures from mythology. They often bore carved motifs, were lavishly gilded, and, while primarily made of wood, they were sometimes enhanced with enamel and silver. Expertise in Craftsmanship, Design Elements, Aesthetic Influences & Versatility Antique guéridon tables are typically crafted from premium materials such as mahogany, rosewood, walnut, or other exotic woods, showcasing the skill and expertise of the period's craftsmen. These tables are distinguished by their elaborate inlays, marquetry, and detailed carvings, marking them as works of art. The design of these tables exemplifies the seamless integration of aesthetics and utility. Typically, they feature a central pedestal or column supporting the tabletop, though variations include tripod bases, scrolled feet, or ornate embellishments, reflecting the design sensibilities of their time. These pieces reflect a range of design movements, from the opulence of Rococo to the refined simplicity of Neoclassicism. The aesthetic nuances of these tables provide insight into the design ideologies and societal influences of their time. Initially conceived as movable side tables, antique guéridon tables have adapted to various roles throughout history. They have served as occasional tables, tea tables, and more, reflecting their adaptability to the evolving needs and fashions of successive historical epochs. Enhancing your interior Décor with Guéridon Tables Guéridon tables, with their 17th-century origins, continue to be a delightful enhancement to interior décor. Their adaptability allows for placement in nearly any area of your home. Select a Guéridon table from our collection and elevate your interior design. A Guéridon table can stand as a stunning decorative element on its own. However, its utility goes beyond aesthetics. In the palatial residences of France and England, these tables served to present candelabra and support flower vases. Antique guéridon tables provide a portal to the past and bring an element of elegance to contemporary environments. Guéridon tables excel at improving the ambiance of any room; they are not only versatile but also serve multiple purposes. In a living room, a Guéridon table can hold beverages, table lamps, reading materials, and remote controls. It can also serve as a decorative item or a base for vases and other decorative objects. Utilising Guéridon tables as end tables is particularly effective; position a Guéridon table next to each armchair or couch, ensuring it is evenly spaced from the chair arms for a balanced aesthetic. A Guéridon table can also be placed by a window, creating a charming vignette. Positioning furniture away from walls, a guéridon table can effectively utilize the resulting space. It offers a stable surface for accent lighting and can function as a console table or a space divider behind the sofa, adjacent to the wall. They are well-suited as sofa tables when their height is equal to or greater than the sofa's back. Guéridon tables are versatile, fulfilling multiple roles in both the living room and the foyer. For example, they can act as console tables near the entrance, providing a place for keys, wallets, and other small essentials. Furthermore, a guéridon table is an excellent choice for a nightstand or bedside table, accommodating lamps, books, and personal effects. An ideal nightstand should have space for eyeglasses, alarm clocks, phones, water glasses, and more. Placing a guéridon table on either side of the bed creates a harmonious and symmetrical aesthetic.