Antique R J Horner & Co. Art Nouveau Faux-Bamboo Floral Nesting Tables - Set of 4

Details

Description

A rare and exceptionally charming set of four Gilded Age "quartetto" nesting tables (tables gigognes) retailed by the legendary New … Read more A rare and exceptionally charming set of four Gilded Age "quartetto" nesting tables (tables gigognes) retailed by the legendary New York cabinetmaker and importer, R.J. Horner & Co., dating circa 1890–1905. Exhibiting the finest influences of the late 19th-century Aesthetic and French Art Nouveau movements, each table features a hand-painted polychrome botanical vignette. The masterfully lacquered tops display an exquisite progression of distinct flower families—ranging from lush roses and delicate cherry blossoms to vibrant nasturtiums—set against a luminous, honey-amber faux-tortoiseshell background. The tables are supported by elegantly turned wooden spindles masquerading as faux-bamboo, terminating in classic bracket trestle feet with simple turned stretchers.

Crucially, the underside of the smallest table retains its original, highly crisp R.J. Horner & Co. paper manufacturer label from their historic 61, 63 & 65 West 23rd Street showroom in Manhattan's Ladies' Mile district. Complete, labeled four-piece Horner sets from this design era are incredibly difficult to find, making this a stellar acquisition for serious Gilded Age collectors or high-end interior designers looking for a functional statement piece.

Historical Note on Provenance: While bearing the coveted showroom label of New York's premier Gilded Age firm R.J. Horner & Co., this set represents the highly sought-after French imports curated by Horner for his elite Manhattan clientele. Each of the four tables features matching, hand-stamped French workshop assembly numbers ("54") on the underside. This proves the set is 100% complete and original to itself. The highly specialized botanical lacquer technique indicates these components were sourced directly from an elite Parisian Art Nouveau workshop, then imported, matched, and badged at Horner’s historic 23rd Street showroom.

Adding to its exceptional charm and direct connection to New York history, the original paper label retains a faint, hand-written pencil notation: "290 Garfield Pl". This was the historic Park Slope, Brooklyn brownstone address where the current seller's family grew up. It serves as a beautiful, permanent record of the tables' original Gilded Age delivery and their long-term preservation within a single family collection. See less