A fine George II mahogany tripod table circa 1760

Estimate

40,000 - 60,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

height 28 in.; diameter 30 in.
71.1 cm; 76.2 cm

the circular top with a molded pie-crust edge tilting above an open C-scrolled carved standard, centered by a flaring fluted column, headed by a pineapple finial, the acanthus-carved cabriole legs ending in scrolled feet. Formerly fitted with casters.

Provenance

Anonymous sale, Christie’s, New York, April 20, 1985, lot 161

Catalogue Note

This finely conceived table would have been use for various pursuits such as games, needlework, or taking tea, its tilting allowing it to be easily moved or placed folded in a corner. The tripod base allows it to sit firmly on an uneven floor, this form of tripod also being used for fire screens and small kettle stands. The tripod of the present table is imaginatively designed with two tiers of joined C- scrolls with foliate carving and elegantly scrolled and pierced cabriole supports. Tables of this form, described as Claw Tables, are amongst the designs in William Ince and John Mayhew’s Universal System of Household Furniture, published in 1762. The shaped edge to the top of the table is derived from contemporary silver salvers.

A table of closely related design but with an octagonal top with foliate carved edge was sold, Sotheby’s, Furniture from the Collection of Theodore and Ruth Baum, October 22, 2004, lot 448.

See:

Ince and Mayhew, The Universal System of Household Furniture, London, 1762, pl. XIII