A set of three Irish Killarney work arbutus quartetto tables 2nd quarter 19th century

the rectangular tops inlaid with sprays of shamrock and foliage

One Illustrated 'Powderham Castle II', Mark Girouard, Country Life, July 11^th 1963, Vol. CXXXIV, p. 83 in the White Drawing Room.

Good general condition. Largest with a chip to top front right hand side. All have some age cracks consistent with age.
"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."

The Courtenay family had land in Newcastle West, Country Limerick, Ireland for nearly 350 years. This was given to Sir William Courtenay in 1560 by Elizabeth I. Initially he was presented with 10,000 acres which then increased, through good management, to about 80,000 acres at one time. However, by the end of 19^th century  this had dropped back to about 50,000 acres, and was eventually sold by the Devon family in 1900 because of the Irish Land Act. It is highly likely that these Irish tables came from the dispersal of the contents from the house on the estate and were moved to Powderham.   

A related set of three quartteto tables sold, Christie's London, 6 June 2000, lot 150 (£9,987 with premium).

Marquetry from the Killarney region was produced using bog oak, arbutus and other coloured woods on a wide variety of furniture and smaller wares for a burgeoning tourist trade during the 19th century (see B. Austen, Tunbridge Ware and Related European Decorative Woodwares, London, rev. ed. 1992, p. 175-193).