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A pair of small walnut tables with Boulle-work tops by Pillinini,

Offered by: Wick Antiques LTD

Description
A pair of small walnut tables with Boulle-work tops by Pillinini, each with a circular top decorated with brass and pewter marquetry, embellished with black penwork, inlaid into a tortoiseshell ground, both showing scrolling acanthus leaves, one with central oak and acorn sprays, within a border of pendant bellflowers on an ebonized ground, raised on a tripod base boldly carved with shells, scrolls and gadrooned panels, signed ‘G V Pillinini’. French, circa 1950.

Giulio and Valentino Pillinini – 20th Century Masters of Marquetry

Giulio Pillinini was born in Tolmezzo and, according to an article from the Friuli Nel Mondo newspaper (March/April 1953), was based for many years in Paris at 26, Rue de Charonne. He was apparently an exhibitor at the Exposition natìonale des réalìsaitions artìsanales and he was clearly inspired by the wonderful 18th century French pieces which he saw in museums and great collections in the city. In combination with Valentino Pillinini he used the “G. V. Pillinini” mark, stamped on to the carcass of his pieces in the manner of the great ébénistes. A commode by the firm, based on a model by Leleu, was sold at Sotheby’s in 2011. Though catalogued by the auction house as mid 19th century, the piece is in fact extensively illustrated and described in Pierre Ramond’s book Masterpieces of Marquetry (pages 162-163) and was apparently completed around 1978. The finished piece was then exhibited at ‘Les Métiers de l’Art’ at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in 1980. The Pillinini family was one of a very small number of firms able to supply pieces for the most discerning 20thcentury clients.

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	walnut
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	Circa 1950
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	610013

Dimensions

H.	20 in;	Diam.	13 in;
H.	50.8 cm;	Diam.	33.02 cm;

Message from Seller:

Wick Antiques was established by Charles Wallrock in the early 1980s. Having grown up in the Antiques world Charles developed an extensive wealth of knowledge. Starting out as a ‘man with a van’ he quickly gained a good reputation and embarked on a longstanding relationship with Harrods. He was later joined by his wife, Caroline Wallrock. Caroline having completed a Persian degree, went on to study at Christie’s fine art and then joined Sotheby’s specializing in Islamic and Japanese works of art