Joseph-Émmanuel Zwiener fl. circa 1875-1900 A gilt-bronze mounted kingwood and end-cut floral marquetry bed side cabinet paris, circa 1889

in the roccoco vein, the top with a green marble inset, the cupboard opening to a white marble inlaid interior, signed E. ZWIENER to the top of the door

See: H. Kriesel, Die Kunst des Deutschen Möbels, Möbel und Vertäfelungen des deutschen Sprachraums von den Anfägen bis zum Jugendstil, C.H. Beck, München, 1973, pl. 908 for an contemporary photograph showing the Wilhelm II bedroom suite taken circa 1904 at Schloss Charlottenburg

Overall in good condition with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Slight tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places. Losses to both bottom side of hinged front door of approximately 1/4 X 1 inch of carcass
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Born in Herdon, Germany in 1849, Joseph Emmanuel Zwiener worked in Paris between 1880 and 1895. He established his workshop at 12, rue de la Roquette, becoming one of the premiere haut luxe cabinetmakers of the late 19th century. The exceptional quality of Zwiener's craftsmanship and extensive usage of fine gilt-bronze invites comparisons to the work of famed ébéniste, François Linke (1855-1946). Zwiener almost certainly employed Linke, who was six years younger and a fellow German-speaker. Both cabinetmakers used mounts by the gifted sculptor, Léon Messagé, whose studio on the rue Sedaine was in close proximity to the Zwiener workshops and Linke's at 170, rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. It is likely that Zwiener introduced Linke to Messagé's work.