Description:

A Very Fine and Rare French 19th Century Carved Hardwood Chinoiserie Style Figural Bedstead and Night Stand Attributed to Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906), the ornately decorated rectangular headboard and footboard all set with ivory, mother of pearl, rosewood and lacquered panels depicting field workers, Geishas and birds amongst flowers, the headboard top centered with a wood carving of a dragon climbing from behind. The single night-stand decorated with an ivory paneled single-door and drawer with marble top. (Stamped Unreadable "Paris") Circa: Paris, 1880.

Gabriel Viardot "Meubles Viardot"

Having exhibited in his early career finely sculpted objects carved with naturalistic motifs and animals, in about 1870 Gabriel Viardot turned to producing meubles genre chinois et japonais, a taste already established in Europe. At the 1878 Exposition Universelle in Paris he was awarded a Silver medal for his work, followed by a gold medal in the 1889 Exposition. By 1885, a contemporary commentator noted that Viardot's workshop, located at 36, rue Rambuteau, employed approximately 100 men - an indication of the demand for pieces by the firm.

Bed Height: 63 inches (160 cm)
Bed Width: 59 1/8 inches (150 cm)
Bed Length: 86 5/8 inches (220 cm)
Night Stand Height: 32 5/8 inches (83 cm)
Night Stand Width: 15 3/4 inches (40 cm)
Night Stand Depth: 15 3/4 inches (40 cm)

Ref.: A1410