Lacquer table by L. Boudin, Paris circa 1760

A rare side table decorated with Martin varnish in imitation of Japanese lacquer.

Of flowing form, it features an elegant curve on all sides, convex on the sides and concave at the front. It rests on four cabriole legs joined by shaped stretchers and opens with three drawers in the front.

The decoration is exquisite, in gold on a black ground, enlivened by mounds, pagodas, and lakeside landscapes in the Far Eastern style. The varnish displays remarkable relief work, finely engraved and chiseled into the material, giving exceptional depth and vibrancy to the decoration. The details of the architecture, vegetation, and mounds are delicately enhanced by these fine engravings, which virtuously imitate genuine Japanese lacquer. The drawers are adorned with architectural compositions inspired by chinoiserie, while the sides feature lakeside landscapes rendered with great finesse in quatrefoil reserves.

Richly ornamented with mercury-gilt bronze mounts, including slippers highlighting the four feet, pagoda-shaped keyhole escutcheons, and a molding encircling a recessed Aleppo breccia marble top.

Drawer interiors in oak.

In excellent condition, original locks, molding previously regilded, minor restorations to the decoration consistent with age.

Stamped by Léonard Boudin and with the JME guild mark under a crossbar.

Parisian work from the Louis XV period, circa 1760.

Dimensions:

Height: 72 cm - Width: 43 cm - Depth: 27.5 cm

Our opinion:

The curves on all sides and the lightness of these small salon tables, which flourished in the mid-18th century, embody all the elegance and refinement of the Louis XV style. This model is a perfect illustration of this style, with its exquisitely slender base, flowing lines, and particularly harmonious proportions.
The black lacquer with gold decoration, applied in the style of Japanese lacquer, achieves a remarkable level of quality. The depth of the background, the subtlety of the nuances, and above all, the delicate engraving in low relief are such that they could fool even the most discerning experts in Oriental lacquer.
This ability of Parisian workshops to rival genuine Japanese productions illustrates the degree of virtuosity achieved by Parisian artisans under the Ancien Régime and places our table among the iconic examples of this "chinoiserie" fashion.