A Lacquered, Rosewood Veneered and Gilt Bronze Guéridon

The base by Jules Leleu, the top by Katsu Hamanaka, circa 1925

The base with the firm's ivory tablet, the top branded 29729

26 ½ in (67.5 cm) high, 31 ½ in (80 cm) diameter

cf. Viviane Jutheau, Jules et André Leleu, 1996, p.75, p.94

Born in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, Jules Leleu (1883-1961) studied decorative painting. At the age of 26 years old, he succeeded his father in the family painting business. With his brother he began work in the decorating field. After World War I, Leleu specialised in making furniture. He opened a showroom, Maison Leleu, in Paris in 1924 and exhibited at the 1925 Paris Exposition Industrielle et Arts Décoratifs, winning a grand prize. Leleu designed the Grand Salon of the Ambassadors at the Society of Nations in Geneva and the French Embassies of several nations as well as the ocean liners S.S. Ile de France and S.S. Normandie.

This guéridon is a classic amongst the creations of Jules Leleu. It was used, for example, to furnish the Grand Luxe apartment on the ocean liner Normandie. In the 1950s, it was also available with a top in églomisé glass.