Collecting Furniture by French Ébénistes

What don’t the French do well? 18th century Paris was an important centre for the production of cabinets and furniture, with an enormous emphasis put on innovation and superior craftsmanship. As with most European artforms of the time, furniture makers worked within a regimented guild system. Members of the cabinet-making guild were called ébénistes, a title taken from the word for ebony, which was the primary material used in 17th century production. Carvers and joiners also belonged to the same guild, and were referred to as menuisiers. The guild set strict rules for what makers could and could not do, creating very specific jobs – an ébéniste would not do the work of a menuisier, nor would they handle tasks like gilding or bronze-work. This created a wealth of jobs for a diverse field of artisans. All of these makers needed to be certified by the guild, and remain in good standing.

Ébénistes working within the system were permitted to impress their finished pieces with their name, creating what is known as “stamped furniture.” Often the initials “JME” are added after the marker’s name, standing for Jurande Menuisiers Ebénistes, the aforementioned guild of cabinet-makers and joiners. By the mid-18th century, this practice passed into law by the French government. But this highly stringent guild system would end in 1791, when the French Revolution abolished them, along with their strict regulations.

WHY INVEST IN ANTIQUE FURNITURE?

In a moment when so many have the same flat-pack home décor, antique furniture offers individuality, craftsmanship, and permanence. Our Fine Furniture and Antiques from a Private Toronto Estate auction, online from May 21 – June 4, features exceptional antique and fine furniture from a single collection, including classic Louis XV and Louis XVI styles made by important ébénistes of the period; fine Georgian and English Regency furniture and decorations; soft furnishings, chandeliers, wall sconces, mirrors, and other decorative accessories; as well as an excellent selection of Persian carpets and French Savonnerie and Aubusson carpets and tapestries.

Some of the most striking contemporary interiors combine old and new, using carefully chosen antique pieces to bring an element of distinction. This auction invites collectors and designers to acquire decorative works of enduring character and excellent provenance.

Built to last generations, these works possess a level of craftsmanship and material quality rarely encountered in contemporary production. Each piece bears the hand of its maker and the subtle traces of its history, qualities that remain as relevant today as ever.

Since our founding in 1850, Waddington’s has been recognized for bringing exceptional private collections to market, connecting discerning buyers with works of quality, rarity, and provenance. This auction continues that tradition, and we invite you to browse this remarkable single-owner collection of antique furniture and decorative arts.

ABOUT THE AUCTION

Available for online bidding from May 21 – June 4, the Fine Furniture and Decorations from a Prominent Toronto Estate auction features exceptional antique and fine furniture, including classic Louis XV and Louis XVI styles made by important ébénistes of the period; fine Georgian and English Regency furniture and decorations; soft furnishings, chandeliers, wall sconces, mirrors and other decorative accessories; a very good selection of Persian carpets, and French Savonnerie and Aubusson carpets and tapestries; etc.

*All lots are located off-site and are available for in-person preview by appointment only during the posted times.*

On View:
 Saturday, May 30 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
 Sunday, May 31 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
 Monday, June 1 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
 Tuesday, June 2 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Please contact us for more information.