An Irish George III mahogany 'wake' table
No reserve
Lot Closed
June 9, 03:19 PM GMT
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
each drop-leaf supported by a double gateleg action, some reconstruction
71.5cm high, 247cm long, 141cm wide (extended);
2ft. 4¼in., 7ft. 1¼in., 4ft. 7¼in.
Please note that this lot will not be included in the exhibition in our New Bond Street galleries. We would be happy to facilitate a viewing for you, though – please contact cameron.dileo@sothebys.com to arrange this.
The present table belongs to a group of Irish oval-topped drop-leaf tables traditionally known as 'wake' or 'hunt' tables. Their narrow shape when the flaps are down allows them to be conveniently placed against a wall, out of the way, often in a hall or dining-room or more morbidly to hold a coffin prior to burial. Many examples remain in situ in houses throughout Ireland with examples in the Dining-Rooms of Leixlip Castle, Co. Kildare, Bellamont Forest, Co. Cavan, Mount Stewart, Co. Down and in the hall at Luggala, Co. Wicklow (see J. O'Brien and D. Guinness, Great Irish Houses and Gardens, London, 1992, pp.23, 68, 157 and 192).