Gueridon Coffee Table France Early 20th Century

Mahogany

It is one of the most precious and sought-after woods in cabinet making. It was discovered in Central America around 1600 and began to be imported to England in the 1700s. Much appreciated for its hardness and indestructibility, it became widespread following the blocking of walnut exports from France in 1720 and the consequent elimination of English import duties on mahogany from the colonies in America and India. The most valuable version comes from Cuba, but it became very expensive. At the end of the 18th century it began to be used also in France in Louis XVI, Directory and Empire furniture, its diffusion declined starting from when Napoleon, in 1810, forbade its import. It was generally used in the manufacture of elegant furniture, due to its characteristics and beautiful grain.

Rosewood

Under the term Rosewood various exotic, hard and heavy woods have been united, characterized by a color that varies from pink to violet. Their origin is usually from Latin America, India and Africa and are still considered very valuable woods. Until the end of the eighteenth century, this name also referred to the bois de violette . In general, rosewood woods began to be imported into Europe starting in 1750 and were first used for veneers and inlays in England, flanked, by contrast, with lighter woods. Later, entire valuable furniture was manufactured both in England, mainly in the Regency style, and in France, starting from the Neoclassical period.