Style Other / Ref.11101

Malachite and gilt bronze gueridon, end of the 19th century

This tripod pedestal table with malachite decorations was made in the late 19^th century, likely in Russia.

This small table is composed of a gilt bronze base and a circular top veneered with malachite. The base features rich and original sculptural work, primarily composed of geometric shapes and swirling motifs in high relief, accented by malachite beads and cubes. The delicate and openwork legs display finely carved geometric patterns and are adorned with small malachite beads. The stretcher has six concave sides and is also decorated with malachite beads, echoed by the strings of beads suspended from it.

Malachite is a semi-precious stone with an intense green color that was particularly appreciated in the 19th century. It owes this color to its high concentration of copper. This stone mainly comes from Russia, which has significant malachite deposits known since the 17^th century.

Used in block to create small objects, malachite is not suitable for making large pieces like those that can be made in marble. That is why a technique called “Russian mosaic” was developed in the second half of the 18^th century. This technique involves veneering thin slices of malachite in such a way as to create the illusion of a solid block. The royal lapidary manufactures of Peterhof and Ekaterinburg developed this art, which quickly captivated the aristocracy.

France discovered this technique when, in 1808, Alexander I of Russia (1777-1825) gifted Napoleon I (1769-1821) a set of precious malachite objects. Candelabra, large vases, and a basin were thus installed in the Emperor’s salon at Trianon, which became the “Malachite Salon”. The fresh beauty of this refined art created an enthusiasm that lasted throughout the 19^th century.