19th Century French Napoleon III Hand-Painted Tole Tray Side Table

$1,600

About

Rich in decorative detail and Old World charm, this antique Napoleon III side table features a beautifully painted oval tole tray resting on an ornate black and gilt pedestal base. Crafted in France circa 1870, the elegant occasional table combines the artistry of traditional French toleware with the refined decorative style of the Second Empire period.

The removable oval metal tray is embellished with a finely detailed gilt pastoral landscape depicting a picturesque European riverside town, with a stone bridge, church spires, hillside buildings, and figures along the riverbank. The romantic scene is framed by a deep black ground and an intricate gilt foliate border with delicate scrolling motifs.

The tray rests on a slender blackened pedestal decorated with gilt floral accents and a beautifully shaped, lobed base supported by four scrolled feet. The base is further embellished with intricate gilt arabesques and foliage, complementing the decorative painting on the tray above.

Ideal as a drinks table, occasional table, or decorative accent beside an armchair or sofa, this antique French guéridon offers both functionality and period character. The piece is in good condition commensurate with age and use, retaining a rich black and gilt patina with surface wear and minor losses to the painted decoration consistent with its age.

Dimensions: 30.5″ W x 25.5″ D x 27.5″ H.

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