Pair of ormolu, specimen marble and mircomosaic gueridons

A gueridon is a richly decorated stand or a table on which other decorative objects such as lamps can be placed. The pair in Mayfair Gallery’s collection is a superb example of this furniture type.

The centre of each tabletop is inlaid with a polychrome micromosaic. This is a technique whereby small pieces of stone are expertly arranged to form an image, giving the illusion of a painting or a photograph. The micromosaics depict ruins, each one a symmetrical reflection of the other. These illustrations are surrounded by a plethora of specimen stones cut and arranged in various compositions. The circular border surrounding the micromosaic panels is of a deep orange colour with circular malachite and oval lapis lazuli decoration. The outer border is inlaid with numerous specimen stones, such as serpentine, each cut in a straight-edged shape. The colourful stones are placed on a black canvas making the pieces shine.

Under the patterned tabletop, is a wide and elegant ormolu frieze to which the three ormolu legs are attached. Each one is of a cabriole shape with paw feet and terminates in a low circular plinth. The knee of the cabriole legs is adorned with casts of mythical creatures. The legs are joined together by an X-formed stretcher, centred by a circular, grotesque ormolu mount.

The intriguing design features paired with high-quality craftsmanship make these gueridons exceptional additions to one’s interior space.