A Louis XVI carved mahogany reading table by Canabas, circa 1780

Joseph Gengenbach (1712-1797), better known as Canabas who was received 'maître' in 1766 was an ébéniste based in rue de Charonne reputed for small practical furniture pieces in mahogany such as this kidney-shaped table or "table d'accouchée", but also refreshers or "rafraîchissoires" and "dumb servants" or music stands.

Canabas is one of the few cabinetmakers to use mahogany almost exclusively. Indeed, the use of mahogany in cabinet making began to spread in France in the 1760s, particularly in workshops such as that of Jean-François Oeben. Imported from the West Indies, this new species proved to be very resistant, but its density and solidity did not allow it to be used, like other exotic woods, in marquetry. Mahogany is therefore used in solid or veneered form, which implies a certain sobriety in the decor. This apparent simplicity is embodied in the present piece.

A similar example stamped by Canabas was sold from the collection of Eleanor Post Close and Antal Post de Bekessy at Sotheby's, Paris, 19-20 December 2017, lot 689 (10,000€), and another from the collection of Madame Melia Barletta de Cates at Christie's, Paris, 18 March 2003, lot 240 (35,250€).