Bouillotte table in Louis XVI style, France, 1800s

Elegant oval bouillotte table, typical of the Louis XVI style, created in the 18th century. It gets its name from the bouillotte, a card game that was very popular during the French Revolution. It is easily recognisable by its specific features: a marquetry top, surrounded by a fine wooden gallery (to prevent tokens or cards from falling off). Four slender legs ending in bronze sabot (one sabot is missing - see photos). The sliding trays are covered in leather, allowing it to be used as a side table or writing surface. The "plus": the upper tray is removable. It is a double-sided wooden board: one side is a chessboard and the other is decorated with marquetry depicting a bucolic scene.