A fine pair of Italian fruitwood inlaid walnut and marquetry games tables, Emilia Romagna mid 18th century

each with a serpentine hinged top inlaid with a rocaille cartouche opening to reveal a rocialle cartouche amongst strapwork, above a frieze drawer on cabriole legs terminating in hoof feet

Colour slightly less orange, more natural and attractive than photograph. Good patina.Old very minor restorations to veneer and splits commensurate with age which do not detract from the piece. Attractive detail to marquetry with interesting contrast of woods. The lopers would appear to be later replacements. The legs have been waxed. Highly desirable to have a pair. In overall good conserved condition. Highly recommended. Measurements: (Closed) H = 77cm; W = 86 cm; D= 43 cm; (Open) W= 85 cm; D=85 cm
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
G.Manni, Mille Mobile Emiliani, L'arredo domestico in Emilia-Romagna dal secolo XVI al secolo XIX, Modena, 1980, p.185, fig. 432, for a pair of games tables of similar form with boldly scrolled legs termianting in hoof feet and inlaid with a cartouche on the inside which he states to be typical of Ferrara, reproduced here in fig.1.

Also see G.Manni, Mobili in Emilia, Modena, 1986, p. 318, for a related games table described as Modena of similar outline with a drawer in the frieze and the inside of the top inlaid with a cartouche amidst identical strapwork reproduced here in fig. 2.

Finally, it is worthwhile considering Manni, op. cit.,  p. 313, fig. 270 for a pair of small console tables of similar outline with a top inlaid in a similar manner to the inlay on this pair of tables.