An Extremely Rare Exhibition Quality Egyptian Revival Walnut and Inlaid Bench or Window Seat

An Extremely Rare and Possibly Unique Walnut and Inlaid Egyptian Revival Bench or Window Seat

French Circa - 1910-20

Of exhibition quality, made from solid walnut and profusely inlaid with geometric tesserae including ivory, along with ebony, purplewood and fruitwood. One end comprising of dual monopodiae supports with carved mythical animal masks and a dividing pierced splat, the rectangular framed woven seat with dual raised tails to the opposing short side that are joined at their ends above the long rear side, the conforming legs with carved human feet.

The stylised heads do not seem to resemble any one particular animal or Egyptian god-they have elements that might suggest they are panthers, others that suggest the dog god Anubis, and in all likelihood they were simply meant to have been seen as fantastical representations of mythical beings.

The heads are yoked together with something approaching a more conventional chair splat with the heads, rails, tails and splat are all inlaid with a combination of exotic woods including ebony, purpleheart and fruitwoods as well as ivory in the ancient Egyptian taste. This sort of profuse inlay is common on the best Art Deco furniture but, of course, the use of Egyptian motifs is much more unusual.

The delicacy of the work and the design of this extraordinary piece of furniture suggests that it was probably made by a leading French workshop of the period. Related articles have been sold a few times over the years but none have quite the delicacy of the present piece and the particularly refined inlay work on a walnut base, most of these pieces utilising woods such as cedar instead.

A pair of stools in the form of lions which bear comparison with the present piece are illustrated in B.M. Newman, Fantasy Furniture, 1989, New York, p. 34.

Ever since the first European explorers visited Egypt the country and its iconography have been a source of great interest to European connoisseurs and those who execute designs for the decorative arts. Vivant Denon's evocative drawings of Egypt and its antiquities, produced whilst on campaign with Napoleon in 1798-1801 caused a sensation and inspired the work of designers in England such as Thomas Hope and George Smith and the construction of buildings such as William Bullock's Egyptian Museum in London. However when tombs in Egypt began to be systematically excavated in the 20th century and some of the incredible treasures they contained were photographed and shown in newspapers worldwide a whole new mania was created. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and its largely untouched contents in remarkable condition gripped the world and visits to see the treasures in Cairo or on one of their increasingly rare international exhibition tours are the only ways that most people today can experience these incredible objects. This bench is a rare example of a furniture maker bringing the past up to date fusing the latest styles and techniques with a truly ancient taste making this bench is a real conversation piece.

The item within this lot containing ivory has been registered in accordance with the Ivory Act (Section 10). Ref G6MRHSFH

Width: 41 1/4 inches - 105cm

Height: 36 1/2 inches - 92cm

Depth: 21 1/2 inches - 55cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.