A Russian tulipwood, amaranth and marquetry tea/card table, circa 1780

with gilt-bronze mounts, with a triple turn-over top, the first top inlaid with a games board within a flower and fruit inlaid border, the second top with inset baize with four geometric inlaid recesses for counters, with a drawer, on cabriole legs  

In overall good conserved condition. The table has been re-finished with a high gloss polish. The top has some age cracks particularly to the top and inner tops. The marquetry has several small patches to the top. The lower top has been patched and repaired with inserts of timber which are visible from underneath. There are some thin age cracks visible around the recesses for the gaming counters. There are some minor losses to veneers. It is a very attractive table with inlay of exceptional quality.
"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."

This outstanding marquetry games/tea table represents the apogee of Russian craftsmanship of the late 18th century. The Russian cabinet-makers used many different woods to great effect including exotic woods which were imported in small quantities but they had a wide variety of indigenous woods available for their use as evidenced by their skilful combination on this games table.

Although stylistically the form of the present piece has been influenced by Louis XV furniture, one should not discount the influence of English furniture and design on these types of games tables, as Catherine the Great ( d.1796)  very much admired the work of the celebrated English cabinet-maker John Linnell, who made great use of vivid marquetry on his pieces. There is a pair of Linnell commodes at Tsarkoe Selo, illustrated by H. Hayward and P. Kirkham, William and John Linnell, London, 1980, Vol. 1, pl. 9 and Vol. II, fig. 119, reflecting her taste for his marquetry furniture.

The delicate marquetry tendrils on the present table relate to the work of St. Petersburg cabinet-makers of the 1770's such as Nikifor Vasilyev.  A related card table is illustrated in Georges Loukomski, Tsarkoe Selo, Furniture & Interiors, 1987, p. 7 and p. 37. For further comparison see a marquetry card table sold Christie`s New York, 21st May 1997, lot 593. It is interesting to note that this table also has tendrils which meander from the frieze continuing down the legs and also has elaborate floral inlay to the interior  which suggest a link with the maker of the present table. Although of a slightly later date and in neo-classical style it is also of interest to compare a marquetry games table sold Sotheby`s New York, 3rd November 1989, lot 144, sold $440,000 as it represents a later development of the style of the present lot but contains many of the same characteristics.