A fine and rare Irish George II mahogany tea table circa 1750

the hinged rectangular top with outset square front corners opening to a polished surface, above a conforming frieze and an apron with a punched ground, centered by a carved flowerhead flanked by scrolling acanthus leaves and eagles' heads, the cabriole legs also with punched ground and carved with long acanthus leaves and scrolled brackets, continuing to acanthus-carved ankles with squared paw feet, the sides similarly carved with flowerheads flanked by acanthus leaves on a punched ground.

Overall good condition; top with a small elliptical form patch to the back right corner and a small rectangular patch to the back right corner at join with hinge; the interior of the top with two old scratches to the center and with some usual scratches and wear consistent with age and use; some repaired cracking to the top around the right hinge; the frieze in good condition and beautifully carved; the central rosette to the front frieze possibly replaced; the claws to the paw feet with minor wear and scuffs consistent with age and use; the whole table with beautiful color to the mahogany, beautiful figuring, and exquisitely carved; the veneered apron with minor repaired age cracks
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.

This sophisticated tea table makes use of very fine carving, is made of beautifully figured mahogany and incorporates a rare fifth leg which swings out to support the top.  The exquisite carving is of the highest quality found on Irish tables.  The squared paw feet are more natural and continue directly into an acanthus leaf at the ankle going up the leg; the elongated and beautifully carved acanthus leaves to the knees flow gracefully into the brackets and then are continued by large C-scrolls containing eagle-heads, a motif found on a table in an Irish Private collection (illustrated by Glin and Peill, Irish Furniture, New Haven and London, 2007, p. 231, no. 109).  The use of the eagle head is found in other forms of Irish furniture, including on a secretaire cabinet in an Irish private collection (illustrated, ibid, p. 53, fig. 51-52).  Another similar use of the eagles heads can be found on the sides of the treads of a staircase at 85 St. Stephen’s Green (now Newman House), Dublin, circa 1738 (illustrated, ibid, p. 91, fig. 117), which are also found on stairs at Russborough House and Tyrone House.