Wooden table with intricate carvings; the top is covered with tortoiseshell veneer
The precious veneer is protected by thick safety glass and is a technical and artistic masterpiece
The tortoiseshell veneer is laid out in a sunburst pattern. The segments radiate outwards from the circular centre, creating a dynamic visual effect that makes the most of the natural grain of the tortoiseshell
The edge of the top has a lobed shape. This undulating contour is a nod to the Rococo style but is executed in a more streamlined manner here, which suits the transition to Art Nouveau
The inner edge of the scalloped contour is edged with a fine, beaded brass trim. This serves not only as decoration but also protects the delicate edges of the veneer from chipping. Beneath the top, you can see a sturdy wooden cross-brace that forms the connection between the heavy central column and the top. This type of construction was necessary to support the weight of the detailed tabletop and the solid leg in a stable manner
The central leg is a characteristic element that illustrates the transition from the 19th-century neo-styles to the more stylised forms of the early 20th century.
The central section features a heavy, vase-shaped cup and cover, richly decorated with deeply carved vertical grooves and leaf motifs
The table rests on three legs that taper into elegant scrolls, decorated with stylised foliage
Maison Franck, run by the Franck brothers, was a renowned Antwerp-based interior design firm that crafted luxurious furniture in its own workshops, often in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles
Their exclusive pieces, characterised by rich detailing, were popular amongst the wealthy bourgeoisie of the late 19th and first half of the 20th  century
Belgian craftsmanship from the interwar period