American Aesthetic Movement Marquetry-Inlaid Mahogany Six-Piece Parlor Suite

ca. 1880, attributed to Charles Tisch, New York, comprised of a sofa, h. 49-3/4", w. 70", d. 30-1/2", an armchair, h. 49-1/2", a pair of side chairs with upholstered backs, h. 41", and a pair of side chairs with carved panel and fretwork backs, h. 39", each piece with a broken-arch floral- and foliate-carved crest over a band of wood and brass marquetry inlay depicting flowers, leaves and vines, the sofa and armchair with griffin-carved arm supports, all pieces with an apron centered by like inlay and carving and each on ring-turned legs on distinctive carved feet, now upholstered after the period fashion in tufted gold brocade.


Notes: A cabinet by Charles Tisch, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, was awarded first place recognition at the 1884 New Orleans World Cotton Exhibition. That cabinet utilizes similar brass inlaid flowers to those employed in the present suite. Tisch was one of a handful of smaller shops producing wares to compete with Herter Brothers and Pottier & Stymus.

In very good polished and restored condition, with a few mars or blemishes to the surfaces. Backs and legs are tight. No inlay losses observed. The two casters are missing from the front legs of the armchair, and one is missing from an upholstered- back side chair. The upholstery looks fresh and is in very good condition. There are a couple very faint soiled spots on the armchair seat cushion. The seats and backs now use foam cushions. There are a number of stray threads to the edges of the gimp.