Krieger Signed Antique French Empire Tiered Tea Tray Table

Description

A rare and most attractive French gilt bronze ormolu mounted mahogany tiered tea table with removable tray top by important … more A rare and most attractive French gilt bronze ormolu mounted mahogany tiered tea table with removable tray top by important Parisian furniture maker Maison Krieger. circa 1900

A superb example of the elegant, sophisticated and refined French Empire style. Born in France at the turn of the late 19th / early 20th century, exceptionally executed in luxurious Louis XVI taste, exquisitely hand-crafted of handsome rich mahogany and showcasing the most decorative warm mahogany grain detail, with beautifully aged patina over the whole.

Featuring a patinated brass framed glass serving tray with elegant brass handles, fitted to rectangular shaped canted corner top-tier with molded edge, atop gently curved supports embellished with fine gilt bronze fillets, rosettes, and neoclassical floral urns at each corner. Over a large conforming center tier above discreet paneled frieze adorned in rich ornamentation of chiseled and gilded bronzes decorated with victory eagle rinceaux, Greco-Roman mascaron medallion belt, scrolled palmette, and acanthus plum drop. Rising on medial shelf stretcher-joined square tapered legs terminating in patinated brass animal paw sabots.

Signed, retaining the original KRIEGER PARIS metal plaque affixed to underside. Frame blind stamped Krieger, partially worn. Marks to brass handles, verso, illegible, believed 35 D&C, for Damon et Cie, whom Krieger merged with in 1880s.

Dimensions: (approx)
38" High, 31.5" Wide, 21" Deep

Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. June 2022, Fine Furniture & Decorative Arts Signature Auction #8085 catalog

Condition:
Great antique condition with nicely aged patina over the whole.

Solid, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Wear and tear consistent with age and use. Retaining original antique character marks throughout such as light scratches, scattered worn finish, old repair to support, heavily patinated bronzes. Overall in great shape with nothing that detracts from the display or functionality, but only adds to the elegant warmth and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over long periods of time.

MAISON KRIEGER, (French, 1826-1910) was a large and important producer of fine quality furniture in 19th Century in Paris. Established in 1826 by Antoine Krieger and his brother Nicolas, the firm remained a family business until the early 20th Century.

It rose to prominence when winning awards at the 1849 Exposition des Produits de l'Industrie in Paris and the Exposition Universelle of 1851 in London, for the quality of its furnishings.

By the late 19th Century Maison Krieger was one of the largest producers of fine furniture in Paris, cunting Francois Linke among their many clients, with the firms label found on Linke pieces.

They were exhibitors at the major exhibitions of the nineteenth century up to the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris.

The company produced and exhibited furniture in a variety of styles, with a focus on Louis XV and Louis XVI, and creating modern interpretations of eighteenth century and Empire designs.

The original workshop was located at 17, rue Saint-Nicolas, Paris. Changing address several times, the firm became known as Antoine Krieger & Cie in 1850 and moved to 76, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine in 1853. On Krieger's death in 1856, the company passed to his sons-in-law and became Cosse-Racault et Cie. After further name changes, it merged with Damon & Colin, circa 1880, becoming Krieger Damon et Cie, and moved their workshop to 74, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine. less