François Linke 1855 - 1946 A LOUIS XV STYLE GILT BRONZE MOUNTED KINGWOOD AND CUBE PARQUETRY TABLE AMBULANTE Paris, early 20th century, index number 1046, based on number 162

fitted with a single frieze drawer centered by a shell and acanthus leaf escutcheon signed F. Linke, the lock has been removed to reveal the Clément Linke stamp, the drawer stenciled 7083.

Overall in good condition. The veneers with light scratches, nicks, scattered minor repairs and areas of filler. The top portion with some slight separation from legs. Cube parquetry tabletop with some areas of slight fading and abrasions. The gilt bronze with usual scattered scratches and nicks and areas of tarnishing consistent with age and use.
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.

Linke title:  Table Louis XV forme irreguluire, dessus quadrille, bronzes ciseles bois de violette en nouvelle mosaique, nouvelles, citronnier

The design of this table is an early François Linke model, probably first executed in the mid to late 1880s. Like most of Linke’s small tables it was a highly sought-after model, and it is difficult to date or quantify later examples.  In keeping with his wish to produce variations of popular models, Linke offered this table with four different combinations, the first with his ‘old’ model of knee mounts on the cabriole legs (chutes anciennes), combined with his older pattern of marquetry.  The second with ‘old’ model knee mounts and a new form of marquetry pattern and the third with new leg mounts and new marquetry.

Unfortunately it has not as yet been possible to identify with certainty the difference of the old or new patterns but it is likely that the present lot however it might be the fourth combination of new marquetry and new mounts, the only model with satinwood (citronner) from Ceylon, retailing at 600 French francs.  This model was slightly smaller at 65 cm wide but made later as number 1046, the top 78 by 48 centimetres with a fish scale marquetry a top and frieze.

The sophisticated parquetry on the frieze of this table is a pattern offered by Linke and illustrated in Francois Linke 1855-1946: The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, pl. 449.  The inspiration is commonly thought to be Japanese, but this type of parquetry is most likely taken from ancient floor mosaics at Pompei as published in Gil ornate delle pareti ed I pavimenti delle stanze dell’antica Pompei incise in rame, first published in 1796 with a second volume in 1798 with drawings by Domingo Casanova after Guiseppe Chiantarelli.

Catalogue note courtesy of Christopher Payne.