Early 19Th Century Russian Mahogany Demi Lune Card Table

An Exceptional Early 19th Century Russian Mahogany, Marble and Ormolu Mounted Demi Lune Card Table.

This table is of demi lune shape, the most popular shape used by the great neoclassical designers for tables of this sort across Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It has its original inset white and mottled grey marble top, which is quite rare for a card table. The table is veneered in rich and dark mahogany with an excellent surface and it is mounted throughout with ormolu bandings, collars to the tops of the legs and inlaid flutes running down the channels in the legs as well. There are also inlaid ormolu blocks where each leg joins the frieze. The legs terminate in ormolu toupie feet.

When the top is closed there is a small drawer for gaming pieces and counters etc. hidden in the back frieze. The back of the table is fully finished so it can stand in the centre of a room. The top can be opened to reveal a baize lined surface with deep moulded edge supported on a single gate leg mechanism.

It is typical of the best Russian furniture from this period. Many of the best Russian makers having served apprenticeships in other parts of Europe and combining this experience with the taste of the time to create a unique style of furniture.

A very unusual and expertly made piece of furniture, especially having a marble top.