Antique French Kingwood Marquetry Card Table Console Table Ormolu Mounted Louis XV Style

An antique French kingwood marquetry card table and console table of outstanding quality with a beautifully shaped serpentine outline and exceptional ormolu mounts. The top is finely inlaid with intricate musical trophies, floral swags and birds set within a rich contrasting ground, all framed by elegant gilt metal mouldings. The craftsmanship throughout is superb. The quarter veneered kingwood displays a warm colour and strong figuring while the marquetry work is crisp and detailed showing real depth and artistry. The frieze continues the decoration with further inlaid panels and is mounted with striking ormolu masks to each leg adding a strong sculptural element. The table stands on elegant cabriole legs with kingwood veneers and gilt metal mounts terminating in ormolu sabots. The proportions are refined and very much in the Louis XV taste giving the piece real presence without being heavy. The hinged top opens to reveal a baize lined playing surface originally designed for card playing and social entertaining while presenting as a highly decorative console table when closed. This dual function makes it both practical and visually impressive in a modern interior. Date: 1860 Origin: French