An Irish George II padouk silver or tea table, second quarter 18th century

The Chinese inspired form of this table combined with the use of exotic padouk in the construction suggests the initial use of this table may have been for the serving of tea which until the mid-19th century was imported from China and was solely the preserve of the wealthy owing to the extreme cost of tea at this time. There is evidence in the construction that this table was previously fitted with a wooden or perhaps japanned or lacquer top which would have further promoted the eastern influence of this piece.