Style Napoleon III / Ref.10719

TAHAN Manufactory and Julien-Nicolas RIVART (1802-1867) - Graceful tip-up pedestal table decorated of morning glories in porcelain marquetry

This skillful artist achieved a synthesis between the Florentine hard stone marquetry and the decoration of porcelain slabs from 18th century. He can hence combine the lightness of marquetry and its sophisticated contrasts effects, with the charm of painting on porcelain. The marquetry invented by Rivart enables these sophisticated hues to contrast directly with the wood, and prevents to hide the veins and the cabinetmaker's beautiful work. For that reason, at the World's Fairs of 1851, 1855 and 1867, this technique is described as "a delicious process", "yet more beautiful than beautiful", and receives the Emperor Napoleon III's congratulations.
We have here a fine example of these rare decorations with a delicate crown of blue, white and pink morning glories, unfolding on the round shelf of this pedestal table.

Pierre-Lambert Tahan , Belgian cabinetmaker, set up a boutique in Paris shortly before 1806, in the Temple district. In 1844, he ceased all activity and left the direction of his shop to his son, Jean Pierre Tahan . The latter completely revolutionized the organization of the company by separating the manufactory and the store, installed at 32 Rue de la Paix, as early as 1849. A year later, it is already reported as "Supplier of the King and Princes". In 1855, he bears the title of "Supplier of the Emperor", a reference of the utmost importance, for at that time, the Court commissioned him a large range of furniture such as libraries, tables, pedestals and toilet boxes. Tahan will then participate in the great World's Fairs of his time. It is on the occasion of the World's Fair of 1855 in Paris that he presents an extraordinary aviary in walnut carved with foliage and flying birds.