A gilt-metal mounted ink and silk embroidered ebony guéridon table possibly Viennese, circa 1820

the top centred by a tondo with a map of Italy centred by the figure of Pax surrounded by images of the Muses and female deities including Euterpe and Minerva within lunettes with panels of  silk embroidery with scrolling flowers and foliage and stylised anthemions, on scrolled supports joined by a pierced trelliswork basket on outward scrolled legs with acorn finials on toupie feet

A very decorative and unusual guéridon. There are a number of secure age cracks to the veneer around the moulded frieze. The brass carrying handles have some minor tarnishing. The silk has been very finely worked within the lunettes in black thread and within the other shaped sections with polychrome silk threads and metal-thread highlights. A few of the lunettes have minor staining to the ivory ground and one lunette has some small seed-shaped dark marks. There is a slight surface stain within another shaped panel. Otherwise the map and all the embroidered details are in very good condition. With minor old marks and scratches. This piece is ready to place.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This exquisite guéridon/work table with the top mounted with painted silk and embroidered panels is very appropriate for a work table linking as it does with its basket below.  The central panel has a map of Italy with Parma and Tuscany highlighted in blue which at that time belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.