Ref.15738
F. GERDERÈS – Japanese-style billiard table in gilded and carved wood

This rare Japanese-style billiard table in gilt and carved wood bears the plaque of the Parisian manufacturer F. Gerderès. Famous for the quality and inventiveness of its billiard tables, the Gerderès company participated in the 1867 Universal Exhibition. This model is undoubtedly among the most original designs of its time, capitalizing on the vogue for Japonisme in the last third of the 19th century. Our billiard table rests on four imposing gilt bronze legs in the form of vases. These feature motifs inspired by Japanese script, Greek key patterns, and handles with rings. The tall, flared neck supports a playing surface composed of three slates, a material of choice for ensuring a perfectly level billiard table. The frieze features superb marquetry lacquer panels, set within molded frames. The marquetry decoration is characteristic of the Japonisme style: it depicts cherry blossom branches and birds. Gilded wood ornaments stand out sharply against the lacquered border: across the width, three cornflowers unfurl on an acanthus leaf base in a striking Rococo style. Along the length, the border features a menacing gilded Japanese-style dragon resting on an acanthus leaf. Openwork Japanese-style friezes accentuate the profile of the billiard table, further emphasizing the Asian architectural reference. The billiard table has a score counter stamped by the manufacturer, indicating its address and the inscription "Precision Billiards." This high-quality Japanese-style billiard table is one of the few known examples.