Wooden “Bananie” Pedestal by Émile Gallé

This noteworthy “Bananie,” or “Banana,” carved wood selette pedestal, by Émile Gallé, displays an uniquely beautiful construction, with a defining structure that is rivaled in its rarity only by the careful, detailed patterning and carving that brings the work to life. Gallé made very few wooden pedestals of this quality and design during his career, and even fewer of those with curved lower sections that reunite in the middle, culminating in the unfurling flower of the Sumatran Blood Banana. A masterwork of French Art Nouveau, this display pedestal has immaculate balance in its curves and straight lines, which work in harmony surrounding the top shelf, while the marquetry on the top section depicts columbines in full bloom.