A fine French, walnut game table (Table à Jeu) of the Louis XV/Louis XVI transitional period stamped, “Hache Fils à Grenoble” by its maker, Jean-François Hache (1730-1796). The removable, checkerboard marquetry top is made for a game of chess, and the flip side reveals replaced felt. The table rests on four, slightly curved legs and has a surface of various woods that include walnut, ebony, and tinted sycamore. This marquetry forms the pattern for a backgammon board. On one side is a slide to reveal a drawer for game pieces and dice; however, the game pieces are missing from the table.

Jean-François Hache was a member of a famous dynasty of 18th century cabinetmakers that included his grandfather, Thomas, and his father, Pierre. The Hache family played a major role in France for over a century. Today, the pieces of furniture they made are in high demand.

This table is featured in Pierre Rouge and Françoise Rouge’s recent book, Le génie des HACHE, Editions Faton, 2005, pp. 446.

Vetted Antique Shows/Fairs
Palm Beach | America’s International Fine Art and Antiques Fair, West Palm Beach, FL, 2006

Provenance
Grenoble, France
Collection of Pierre Rouge (retired), Macon, France
Mary Helen McCoy Fine Antiques, Charleston, South Carolina