769

A VERY FINE LOUIS XV STYLE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED KINGWOOD AND MAHOGANY VITRINE STAND by Francois Linke, Paris, early 20th century. With variegated marble top above tapering sides with three convex molded glazed panels below an Espagnolette at each foremost angle between foliate mounts on tapering legs terminating in scrolled acanthus sabots. The right facing bust inscribed "F. Linke". Height 47.5", width 15.25". Estimate $10,000-$15,000;;Francois Linke (1855-1946) is considered by many to have been the greatest Parisian cabinet maker of his day. Born in Pankraz, Bohemia, Linke moved to Paris in 1875, and by 1900 had earned a worldwide reputation as a master of high quality furniture. Linke won International acclaim at the 1900 Exposition in Paris, and again won gold medals at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, the Liege in 1905 and the Franco-British Exposition in 1908.;;Linke produced four similar stands #512 each with four glazed sides for King Rama V of Thailand for the Royal Grand Palace. Currently on display at the Vimanmek Mansion in Bangkok, Thailand. (Christopher Payne, Francois Linke 1855-1946, the Belle Epoque of French Furniture, Antique Collector's Club, Woodbridge, 2003, pp. 254-257).