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Extremely Rare, Imperial, and Historic Gilt-Brass, Enamel & Wood Gueridon Table

Offered by: Solomon Treasure

Description
An extremely rare, imperial, and historic gilt-brass, enamel & wood gueridon table, by Louis Ravené and Sussman-Hellborn, Berlin, dated 1879.

In the "Islamic Alhambra" style, decorated with eight columns and exceptional champleve / cloisonne enamel throughout, with a vert de mer marble top.

With a plaque to the bottom of the console with the inscription : "1879 / Entw. v. Baumeister C. Köppen / Agfrt. d. B. Röhverke i. d. Email-Fabrik / des Königl. Preussich:Geh:Commercienrath / Louis Ravenè / Berlin".

Very interesting and rare model. Only one in the world.

Furthermore, this fine gueridon was possibly made as an intended gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II (1859-1941) to the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid II (1842-1918). From the start of his reign Wilhelm II closely befriended the Sultan and visited him in Istanbul on three occasions in 1889, 1898 and 1917. The presence of the Oriental-Islamic style seems to support this theory.

Louis Sussmann-Hellborn (1828-1908) trained as a sculptor at the Berlin Academy of Arts. He travelled to study in France, Belgium, England and lived In Rome from 1852 to 1856. The first major exhibition of his works was organized in Berlin in 1856. His villa at Tiergarten was one of the most representative buildings of the district and made him famous amongst the Berlin intellectuals. He was one of the founders of the Royal Museum of Decorative Arts and was also involved in building a sculpture collection at the Royal Museum in Berlin. From 1882 to 1887, Sussmann-Hellborn was head of the Royal Porcelain Manufactory (KPM) in Berlin. In 1868 together with Louis Ravenné Sussmann, he founded the Bronze- und Emaillewarenfabrik Ravené & Susmann in the Wallstrabe in Berlin; a company which specialized in the production of high quality luxury objects - usually in a more restrained Orientalist style - until their closure around 1890.

In very good original condition. No damages noted. Normal wear consistent with age and use. Ready to place.

Measures: 49" high x 42" wide x 23" deep.