19TH CENTURY FRENCH NAPLOEON III TRICOTEUSE SEWING TABLE

An elegant late 19th Century French Napoleon III tricoteuse or sewing table.

Finely decorated in the fashionable style of the late nineteenth century. The octagonal hinged top is finished in a deep ebonised ground, centred with a hand-painted bouquet of roses and surrounded by scrolling gilt ornament with panels of mother-of-pearl inlay. The lid opens to reveal a fully fitted sewing interior, divided into compartments constructed in card and lined with printed decorative paper, designed to store threads, tools and needlework materials. At the centre sits a velvet covered pin cushion lid concealing a deeper storage well. The table is raised on a tapering pedestal column decorated with hand-painted floral panels and gilt highlights, terminating in a shaped tripod base with carved detailing. 

Originally made as a lady’s work table (tricoteuse) for sewing, knitting and embroidery, such pieces were popular in France during the Napoleon III period, when richly decorated ebonised furniture became highly fashionable. Today it functions equally well as a decorative occasional table, bedside table, or jewellery cabinet. Circa 1870-1890.

Circa: Lte 19th century

Origin: France

Condition: In excellent condition.

Dimensions: 75cm h x 46cm w x 46cm d