attributed to Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener An important gilt-bronze mounted kingwood vitrine à deux corps Berlin, circa 1895-90

of bombé form, the large glazed door opening to a mirror backed interior with four shelves, acanthus cast shoulder and chutes with reeded encadrements with blooming flower garlands, the lower cabinet fitted with a deep drawer, the back with two inventory labels for Schloß Berlin Zimmer No. 515 lfde 28 and another labeled Schloß Berlin Zimmer No. 209 lfde 51.

Supplied to Kaiser Wilhelm II for the Stadschloss, Berlin, circa 1895-90

Overall in good condition with tarnishing to gilt bronze throughout. Overall in good condition with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Minor chips to glass shelves.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Born in Herdon, Germany, in 1849, Joseph Emmanuel Zwiener worked in Paris between 1880 and 1895. He established his workshop at 12, rue de la Roquette, becoming one of the premiere haut luxe cabinetmakers of the late 19th century. The exceptional quality of Zwiener's craftsmanship and extensive use of fine gilt-bronze mounts invites comparisons to the work of famed ébéniste François Linke (1855-1946). Zwiener almost certainly employed Linke, who was six years younger and a fellow German-speaker. Both cabinetmakers used mounts by the gifted sculptor, Léon Messagé, whose studio on the rue Sedaine was in close proximity to the Zwiener workshops and Linke's at 170, rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. It is likely that Zwiener introduced Linke to Messagé's work.

Kaiser Wilhelm II: German Emperor and King of Prussia

Although he admired the work of Parisian cabinetmakers, Kaiser Wilhelm II preferred the work of German craftsmen. Zwiener had produced a copy of a bureau du Roi for Ludwig II in 1884, prior to receiving his summons in 1895, to work in Berlin at Schloss Neues Palais, Sans Souci, Potsdam, and the Berlin City Palace from which the present lot was once part of the furnishing.

Compare with two Zwiener pieces with similar inventory labels, but made for the Schloss Neues Palais, which sold Christie's, New York, September 14, 1995, lot 453 and 454.