A Pair of Gilt Brass Faux Bamboo Etagères or Occasional Tables Possibly by Mallett of Bond Street

A Fine and Interesting Pair of Gilt Brass Faux Bamboo Etagères or Occasional Tables, Possibly by Mallett of Bond Street

These fine occasional tables or étagères were designed for use with seat furniture in a drawing room or bedroom setting and were made in the mid-20th century.

Footnote: They are English in origin, and the refined taste evident in their construction suggests that they were likely designed and retailed by the great antique dealers Mallett of Bond Street, who produced various pieces of this sort to complement their antique furniture.

Finding that clients frequently required low tables and coffee tables—furniture types with no true antique equivalent—Mallett cleverly set about designing modern pieces of luxurious furniture to meet the needs of their discerning clientele. The present tables, unusual and desirable for surviving as a pair, have a chinoiserie feel, with gilt-brass frames designed to resemble bamboo shoots. Each of the two tiers features fine inset leathers, making them both versatile and durable.

Aside from Mallett in England, firms such as Maison Jansen in Paris produced similar pieces, demonstrating that the prevailing taste among Europe’s elite clientele remained remarkably consistent. Tables like this pair have never really gone out of fashion since their introduction, and we are delighted to offer these fine examples to our clients.