A fine Italian carved walnut octagonal centre table, Bolognese late 16th/early 17th century

with an octagonal top above four short drawers with raised rectangular panels opposing four dummy drawers on double baluster legs joined by an x-form stretcher centred by a cup and cover finial on plinth feet



 

Old marks, chips and scratches and restorations to the top including minor areas of infill and patches as visible from photograph. Old restorations to some of the handles and to the drawer fronts, which have been well executed and are hardly noticeable. Evidence of old worm and insect damage which appears to be no longer active. The frieze below two drawers is a later replacement, but this is hardly noticeable. Old minor restorations generally to the legs and feet. There is a later support beneath the drawers internally. In overall good conserved condition. Very fine octagonal table. Highly recommended.
"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:
W. Odom, A History of Italian Furniture from the Fourteenth to the early Nineteenth Centuries, Vol I, New York, 1966, p. 316, fig. 301, illustrates an octagonal table on a similar base formerly in the Davanzati Palace, Florence, reproduced here in fig.1.

This table has an unusual structure as it has turned supports resting on square bases joined by crossed stretchers. The octagonal top is raised on a deep frieze.