Antique French Napoleon III Bamboo Tabouret, Tasseled Top, PLM Rail Label

Details

Description

This is an antique French bamboo tabouret (side table/plant stand), Napoleon III in style, with a square top upholstered in … Read more This is an antique French bamboo tabouret (side table/plant stand), Napoleon III in style, with a square top upholstered in a patchwork of moss-green velvet and coral woven fabric set in a diagonal cross pattern, bordered in braided cord and finished with a deep silk tassel fringe. The base is faux-bamboo on four legs joined by a scrolled X-form stretcher with a turned central column. A paper shipping label glued to the underside is transcribed exactly below, along with a partially illegible sticker.

Construction and design notes:
- Faux-bamboo frame on four legs joined by a scrolled X-stretcher with a central turned column
- Square top upholstered in a patchwork diagonal-cross pattern of moss-green velvet and coral woven fabric, bordered in braided cord
- Deep silk tassel fringe trims all four sides of the top
- A paper freight/shipping label and a round sticker are affixed to the underside of the top

Label transcription (exact):
PLM
PETITE VITESSE
[illegible handwritten word] de BERCY à NICE
[illegible handwritten number]

Round paper sticker: "[illegible, possibly 7984] / m gl / UK" (handwritten, partially illegible)

Flat measurements: height 28 in (71.1 cm); top 14 in x 14 in (35.6 x 35.6 cm).

The velvet shows visible matting and wear to the nap, most noticeable along the diagonal bands, and the coral woven panels show soiling and age spotting. The silk tassel fringe is uneven in places, with some fraying and loss of shape consistent with age and handling.

This piece suits a collector of French Napoleon III or bamboo furniture, or a decorator wanting a petite accent table with real textile character and an interesting shipping history. Origin: France. Era: circa 1870-1910s, Napoleon III to Belle Époque (stylistic estimate); the PLM railway label supports that this piece was already in circulation and being shipped within France before PLM's 1938 nationalization into SNCF, which is consistent with, though not proof of, that dating. Materials: bamboo frame, velvet and woven textile top, silk tassel trim. Care: dust the frame gently, vacuum the tassel fringe on low suction only, and avoid direct sun on the velvet. Sold in the condition shown and described above. See less