Louis Majorelle “Chicorée” Complete Art Nouveau Dining Room Set, France, 1900

An exceptionally rare and complete Louis Majorelle “Chicorée” dining room suite, created in Nancy, France, circa 1900. This remarkable ensemble is a superb example of French Art Nouveau furniture and is particularly desirable for its exceptional completeness, refined craftsmanship, sculptural design and extensive decorative marquetry.

The complete dining room comprises a large buffet cabinet, matching sideboard, extendable dining table with three additional leaves, and eight matching dining chairs.

The ensemble is finely crafted in a combination of walnut and oak, with marquetry veneers and other decorative inlays, displaying the elegant, flowing lines and naturalistic forms for which Louis Majorelle became internationally celebrated. The carefully selected woods provide both structural richness and visual warmth, while the extensive marquetry work adds another level of refinement to the ensemble.

Particularly striking are the beautifully executed marquetry panels depicting stylized plants and flowers, together with the distinctive repeating inlaid pattern decorating the tall back panels of both the buffet cabinet and sideboard. These decorative elements, combined with the characteristic flowing and sculptural forms, create a remarkable visual unity throughout the complete dining room.

The monumental buffet cabinet is additionally fitted with two glazed display compartments featuring beautifully beveled glass, positioned on either side of the central section. The combination of glazed display areas, open shelving, sculptural woodwork and elaborate marquetry makes the buffet an impressive centerpiece in its own right.

Importantly, both the buffet cabinet and the sideboard retain their original keys, a particularly desirable detail for an ensemble of this age and quality.

The dining table is equally impressive, both aesthetically and in its remarkable versatility. In its standard configuration, the table measures 158 cm (62.20 in) in length. With its three additional extension leaves installed, it reaches an impressive 308 cm (121.26 in).
The construction and extension mechanism allow the table to be opened even further, reaching an exceptional maximum length of approximately 420 cm (165.35 in). This makes the table suitable for anything from intimate dining to very large gatherings while retaining the elegance and proportions characteristic of Majorelle's finest Art Nouveau designs.

The table is accompanied by a complete set of eight matching dining chairs, featuring elegant carved wooden frames with woven cane seats and backs. The delicate canework contrasts beautifully with the sculptural construction of the frames, giving the chairs a refined and visually light appearance.

Finding individual pieces from Louis Majorelle's celebrated “Chicorée” series is already uncommon. Encountering such an extensive and complete dining room ensemble, comprising both large cabinets, the extendable dining table with its three additional leaves, and no fewer than eight matching chairs, is exceptionally rare.

The significance of the design is further supported by period documentation. The “Chicorée” dining suite is illustrated in Alastair Duncan's authoritative publication on Louis Majorelle, providing an important literature reference for this celebrated design.

The complete ensemble is in excellent condition and presents beautifully as a unified Art Nouveau interior.

Dimensions:
Buffet Cabinet
224 cm W × 60 cm D × 201 cm H
88.19 in W × 23.62 in D × 79.13 in H

Sideboard
167 cm W × 47 cm D × 141 cm H
65.75 in W × 18.50 in D × 55.51 in H

Dining Table – Standard Size
158 cm L × 130 cm W × 73 cm H
62.20 in L × 51.18 in W × 28.74 in H

Dining Table – With Three Extension Leaves
308 cm L × 130 cm W × 73 cm H
121.26 in L × 51.18 in W × 28.74 in H

Dining Table – Maximum Extension
Approximately 420 cm L × 130 cm W × 73 cm H
Approximately 165.35 in L × 51.18 in W × 28.74 in H

Worldwide shipping is included in the asking price.
Due to the importance, size and rarity of this ensemble, each piece will be carefully packed in custom-made wooden shipping crates produced by our own in-house crating department.
The complete set will be shipped by airfreight/seafreight with full transport insurance included, ensuring professional and secure delivery to its new owner anywhere in the world.

Literature:
Alastair Duncan, Louis Majorelle: Master of Art Nouveau Design, Thames & Hudson, London, 1991, p. 180, fig. 54.
The Chicorée dining suite is illustrated in a period photograph on page 180.
Seat Height: 18.51 in (47 cm)

Condition report:

Good. Wear consistent with age and use. 1 small hole in the weaving of a chair (see pictures closely) small scratches and traces of use on the set. but in superb condition for its age.