A matched pair of Louis XVI mahogany gateleg tables, circa 1780, stamped Canabas

 Joseph Gengenbach known as Canabas, cabinet maker, received master in 1766.

Joseph Gengenbach, known as Canabas, was of German origin and settled in Paris in the 1740s. He worked with great cabinetmakers such as Jean-François Oeben and Pierre Migeon before obtaining his master's degree in 1766. He specialized in small, practical pieces of furniture of very high quality, most often made of mahogany. His furniture could be retractable or pivoting, and was very simple in style, without any bronze additions, reflecting the Anglomania fashion that was very popular in the last third of the 18th century. His furniture was used for serving meals or gatherings in the absence of servants, and was often on castors to make it easier to move around. Among his most common works are refreshment trolleys, planters, pedestal tables and tables.

Unlike his colleagues, Canabas would stamp the same piece of furniture several times, sometimes even in unusual places such as on the legs or the back of a seat.

Our gate-leg table is based on an English model that appeared in the 16th century. The hinged flaps allow the tops to be folded down, saving space for storage. Canabas specializes in mahogany, and many models have been presented at auction, coming from prestigious collections. For example, a similar table attributed to Canabas was sold at Saint Sulpice, l'œil d'un collectionneur, Sotheby's, Paris, 25 September 2024, lot 75, and another similar one was sold in the Lagerfeld Collection, Christie's, Monaco, 29 April 2000, lot 169.