An Irish mahogany side table circa 1760

Overall good restored condition; the top with minor age crack to center and with old marks, scratches, scuffs and minor areas of discoloration; slight separation at lines of construction at legs and frieze; front right side bracket replaced; later glue blocks to underside of top, central cross brace with old worm damage; small age cracks to front left corner frieze at join with brackets to leg, age crack to back right leg and right side frieze; overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs, bruises and traces of dark black finish especially around carving.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The richly carved and expressive lion's mask which ornaments the apron of this table is one of the most recognizable features found on Irish furniture of the eighteenth century. As noted by The Knight of Glin and James Peil, Irish Furniture – Woodwork and Carving in Ireland from the Earliest Times to the Act of Union, Yale University Press, New Haven, 2007, this element was possibly originally inspired by the architect Edward Lovett (c.1699-1733), who was responsible for the interior decoration of 9 Henrietta Place, Dublin, in particular a wooden chimney-piece and over-mantel, illustrated (op. cit. fig. 68). This 'is thoroughly Kentian in inspiration and the lion mask and frieze was almost immediately reproduced in furniture'.

Another distinctive Irish characteristic of the present table is the gadrooned scrolled carving ornamenting the shaped apron, a feature which is found on a table possibly originally from Clanwilliam House, 86 St. Stephen's Green Dublin (op. cit., p. 230, fig. 101), and another smaller table (op. cit. p. 230, fig 102), now in the Collection of the National Museum of Ireland.