Antique French Belle Epoque malachite and ormolu side table

The table has a rectangular malachite top, which is set within an elegant ormolu frame, and supported on four ormolu legs. To carry the weight of the gemstone table top, the legs curve to form elegant brackets, which end in dragon heads. A pierced apron, forming a foliage swag, occupies the space between each of the four brackets. The beasts' heads extend down to form barley twist legs, which then curve out, forming seats for four patinated bronze cherubs, each holding a bow and arrow. Lower down, a shelf, with a pierced geometric-patterned centre and border, is supported between the four legs of the table. The four legs terminate in scaly pawed feet, which are decorated with leaves.

In its style, this side table is an eclectic combination of classical and fantastical Chinese elements, resulting in a richly ornamented piece with the capacity to fascinate and intrigue. The use of Chinese motifs in the decorative arts, also known as Chinoiserie, was highly fashionable throughout Europe, from the 18th Century onward.