A LOUIS XVI GILT BRONZE-MOUNTED TULIPWOOD, SYCAMORE AND FRUITWOOD MARQUETRY TABLE A ECRIRE, CIRCA 1770 |

with impressed stamps JG (for Josefs Gilde) and the crowned coat-of-arms of Amsterdam

Philip Lehman (1861-1947), New York
His daughter Pauline Lehman Ickelheimer
Her daughter Jean, Mrs. Donald S. Stralem
Christie's New York, November 21, 1984, lot 201

In good condition with old repairs to age splits and tambour door, and some repairs to the gilt bronze gallery, with some rubbing on the mounts. One bronze border slightly loose. Beautiful marquetry design and fascinating historical piece.
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.

For further information on Philip Lehman, please see note to lot 1027.
In 1770 the City of Amsterdam passed a law forbidding merchants from importing French furniture, in an effort to support local production.  Dealers were given three months to liquidate existing French stock, which was all branded with the stamp of the cabinetmakers' Guild of St Joseph.
Very similar marquetry decoration with the same distinctive architectural pergola appears on two works stamped by Jean-Georges Schlichtig (maître in 1765), a commode in the Louvre and a secrétaire à abattant formerly in the Roberto Polo collection, as well as on two tables and an embroidery stand in the Victoria & Albert Museum stamped Georges Jansen (maître 1767), one table bearing the additional stamps of Daniel Deloose (maître 1767) and Jacques Laurent Cosson (maître 1765).  This group is discussed by Pierre Kjellberg in Le Mobilier français du XVIIIe siècle (Paris 2002), p.832-33, who supports the theory that all four ébénistes would have subcontracted the marquetry work to the same workshop or individual marqueteur who would have supplied the finished inlaid panels.