Set of Three Lacquered Nesting Tables with Chinese Decorations, France circa 19

This set of three graduated nesting tables is a refined example of the French enthusiasm for chinoiserie that permeated the first half of the 20th century. Treated in a deep burgundy lacquer with black undertones, the tops are adorned with finely painted golden scenes evoking the gardens and landscapes of imperial China — pagodas rising among weeping willows, birds in flight, and stylised floral motifs rendered with a confidence that nonetheless betrays their European origin. The three tables fit together harmoniously, their straight tops and slightly tapered straight legs forming a coherent geometric ensemble that reflects the restrained modernism of French decorative arts around 1940. The lacquer itself, patinated over the decades, acquires an almost archaeological presence; its crackled surface imparts to the whole the gravity of true ancient lacquers from the Far East. These sets were highly prized by the bourgeoisie and Parisian elite during the interwar period, appreciated as much for their versatility as for their decorative appeal. They integrate well into a formal salon alongside 18th-century furniture as well as into a contemporary interior seeking historical depth and visual warmth. A charming and decorative ensemble of sustained quality, these nesting tables are presented in generally good condition, consistent with their age. Offered with their three elements.