A Regency parcel-gilt rosewood and marquetry library drum table, circa 1815

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Acquired by R. W. Symonds for Jack Steinberg from H. Blairman & Sons Ltd, 10 January 1947;
Christie’s London, Property from an Important Collection formed by R. W. Symonds for Mr. & Mrs. Jack Steinberg, 19 May 2016, lot 24.

Conceived in the Greek Revival style, the form of this library drum-table betrays the influence of Thomas Hope (1769–1831), the celebrated arbiter of early Regency taste, and relates to his design for a ‘round monopodium or table in mahogany, inlaid in ebony and silver’ illustrated in Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807, pl. XXXIX.  For an almost identical example, executed with very similar inlaid flower and wreath ornament, see that sold Christie’s London, 23 November 2006, lot 62 and 24 April 2008, lot 150.