A fine quality pair of brass low tables or etageres, each with two tiers trompe-l'oeil decorated as tortoiseshell.
French, mid-20th century

Why we like them

Evoking the elegant Directoire-era campaign-inspired furniture, these very chic little tables are both decorative and useful, perfect as coffee or cocktail tables or even bedside stands. Their striking hand-painted decoration is reminiscent of the sumptuous settings conjured up by the wizard Renzo Mongiardino, one of the greatest interior decorators of the 20th century.

The Parisian decorating firm of Jansen was often responsible for creating and placing such chic objects in interiors for a relaxed comfort that was taking over the grand formal settings of the pre-war era.