Ormolu Mounted Parquetry Side or Bedside Tables, 19th Century, Set of 2

This is a beautiful pair of antique French Louis Revival parquetry occasional bedside tables, late 19th Century in date. The hinged lift-up rectangular table tops are beautifully inlaid with diamond-shaped parquetry above faux book spine doors and raised on splayed tapering square feet. Provenance: Farm House, Farm Street, Mayfair, London, see photo. Add an elegant touch to any room with this stylish pair of tables. Condition: In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, French polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 79 x width 50 x depth 33 Dimensions in inches: Height 2 foot, 7 inches x width 1 foot, 8 inches x depth 1 foot, 1 inch Parquetry – is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for decorative effect. The two main uses of parquetry are as veneer patterns on furniture and block patterns for flooring. Parquetry patterns are entirely geometrical and angular—squares, triangles, lozenges. The word derives from the Old French parchet , literally meaning “a small enclosed space”. Large diagonal squares known as parquet de Versailles were introduced in 1684 as parquet de menuiserie to replace the marble flooring that required constant washing, which tended to rot the joists beneath the floors. Such parquets en lozenge were noted by the Swedish architect Daniel Cronström at Versailles and at the Grand Trianon in 1693. Timber contrasting in color and grain, such as oak, walnut, cherry, lime, pine, maple etc. are sometimes employed.