George III Mahogany Serpentine Tea Table Of Exceptional Colour And Patination

A Very Fine and Unusual George III Period Mahogany Serpentine Tea Table of Exceptional Colour and Patina

English c.1780

This fine table is a riot of serpentine curves. Broadly speaking the table is in the taste promoted by George Hepplewhite but this table is unusually sophisticated in design. Frequently tables in this style have serpentine fronts but straight sides and the present piece is unusual not only in utilising the serpentine shape for both of the aforementioned areas but also for the apron on the front. This is a clear sign that the piece was the result of the collaboration of an experienced designer and a fine workshop. Another feature that demonstrates the quality of the piece is the inclusion concave mouldings on the front of the leaves on the table. This is not only aesthetically effective, it also allows the table top to be opened much more easily as the fingers have a convenient point to hold.

The frieze on the table has a wide band of contrasting crossbanding on it and the legs join the table at an angle as even the end of the frieze is shaped. The legs themselves utilise fluting and mock fluting, ending with contrasting inlaid satinwood collars, also with fluting, and shaped peg toes.

The design of the piece is very unusual and we can find no direct comparatives, suggesting that this table may well have been produced as a bespoke commission for a lucky late 18th century connoisseur. Attributing the piece to a particular maker is therefore somewhat difficult but the shaped peg toes, fluted collars and fluted and mock fluted legs are certainly all features used by the Ince and Mayhew partnership. When taken in conjunction with the quite extraordinary veneers of curly mahogany that have attained a stunning colour and patina, it is certainly highly likely that this table was made in London by one of the leading workshops of the day.

The number of surviving tea table (with veneered tops as opposed to the baize found on card tables) is relatively low making this piece an even more interesting example. This is a piece that will appeal to any serious collector of English furniture or act as an accent piece in an otherwise more modern decorative scheme.

Width: 32 1/2 inches - 83cm
Height: 29 inches - 74cm
Depth: 16 1/2 inches - 42 cm