A quite unique and visually appealing French Chinoiserie / Japonisme carved and ebonized hardwood two-tiered side table or stand, with interesting history and highly desirable Longwy pottery tiles! circa 1890 Late 19th century, France, in the manner of famous Parisian cabinet-maker Gabriel Viardot (1830-1904), who specialized in producing exotic far-east Chinese and Japanese genre furniture, which he was introduced to at the World's Fair of 1867. Having a square top and conforming lower shelf inset with finely detailed glazed ceramic tiles by Longwy faïencerie. Longwy enamels, or émaux de Longwy are renowned for their brilliant richly saturated color, depth, and intricate design by pioneering a process of laying enamel similar to cloisonné. The elaborately decorated matching tiles feature Asian themed floral vase on table, with bird, cloud in sky, foliate and patterned motifs. Also distinguished for creating a distinct finely crackled - deep craquelure-like effect of the enamel across the surface, a prominent feature on these tiles and one that really makes them standout! Ebonized solid wood frame, with delicate incised carvings bordering the ceramic panels and continuing down the sculptural supports, having an ornate pierced fretwork frieze, raised on sculpted straight squared legs, joined by open molded fretwork adorned medial stretcher, terminating in integral horse hoof block feet. Signed / Stamped / Hallmarked: The verso of the ceramic plaque stamped Longwy. While the underside of the tabletop retains multiple labels, wood plaque and paper labels, stamped with shop name and address "Haddens Succ Roen, 31. Rue des Carmes, France" as well as "Envoi de Haddens Confiseur" accompanied with various hand written inscriptions, the totally leading us to believe its the original production delivery label, and that this table went to a Chocolate Confectioner retail store in the Roen neighborhood of Normandy, France. Just recently imported to the States from France. Acquired from the highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. March 2025 Antiques And Estates Auction catalog Dimensions: (approx) 30 1/8" High, 16" Wide, 16" Deep Ideal for use as a side table, accent table, wine drinks or lamp stand, bedside nightstand or valet, decorative arts pedestal, tiered plant stand, whatnot etagage, hall table, and more Condition: Overall good to fair antique condition with nicely aged warm gently worn patina. The brilliance of the tiles is true to the photos, and they are in excellent shape, completely intact, with no damage, cracks or repairs. Attractive appearance, with scattered minor rubbing, abrasions, accretions, nicks, finish loss, expected wear consistent with age, use and display. Fretwork intact with typical minor evidence of old restorations. Overall sturdy, stable, structurally sound, with a slightly askew stance, not noticeable and does not detract from the aesthetics or functionality. All the antique character and charm add to the elegant warmth, sophistication, and rich historical interest! Keywords G Viardot ébéniste French European antique furniture Japonisme Japanesque Japanned blackened ebonised painted black oriental Orientalist Victorian era Neo-Gothic Aesthetic Movement Art Nouveau period original polychrome glaze porcelain majolica faience