Set of Gilt Metal Nesting Tables with Claw Feet and Leather Tops, Attributed to Maison Jansen, France, circa 1940

A refined set of nesting tables attributed to Maison Jansen, combining the luxury of gilt metal frames with supple leather-covered tops. Each table is supported on four sharply pointed claw feet — a motif derived from the ancient world and revived with great enthusiasm by French Art Déco designers — that terminate in a slender rectangular frame of gilt metal. The juxtaposition of the metallic claw foot with the warm leather surface above creates a characteristic dialogue between formal severity and sensuous material luxury.

Maison Jansen, founded in Paris in 1880 by Jean-Henri Jansen, became over the course of the twentieth century the foremost luxury interior decoration firm in the world, its work recognised by the distinctive quality of its brass and gilt metal work. The claw foot — used on ancient Roman curule seats and revived in the Empire and Art Déco periods — was a favoured decorative motif of the atelier, appearing in numerous variations across their tables, desks, and case furniture. Leather-topped tables of this type were in high demand among Jansen’s private clients, the material providing both practical and decorative value in equal measure.

This set retains its original gilt metal frames and leather tops, presenting with the warm patina of age consistent with their circa 1940 date. Examples attributed to Maison Jansen of comparable quality and rarity regularly achieve strong results at the major Paris and international auction houses, and this set represents a distinguished opportunity to acquire a fine example of French Art Déco craftsmanship.