A superb and rare antique pair of French Malachite and burr thuya wood occasional tables, early 20th Century in date.
The circular tables are made from rare burr thuya wood and are surmounted with highly decorative malachite tops with silver plated borders. The cabinets are each fitted with two useful drawers, each with beautiful malachite and silver plate knobs, the thuya with striking ebonised banding.
The tables are each raised on three silver plated bronze legs decorated with garlands and acanthus, they are joined by shaped stretchers centred with malachite dishes.
There is no mistaking the unique quality and design, which is certain to make them a talking point in your home and sure to take pride of place in your lounge or reception.
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 78 cm x Width 40 cm x Depth 40 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 7 inches x Width 1 foot, 4 inches x Depth
... 1 foot, 4 inches
Malachite is an opaque, green banded mineral. It is believed to be a strong protector of children. It protects the wearer from accidents and protects travellers. Malachite has been used to aid success in business and protect against undesirable business associations. It is a stone of balance in relationships.
Malachite is always green, usually in banded tones varying from very dark green to a mellow green. Most malachite comes from Zaire, Chile and Australia.
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used malachite for jewellery and ground it to use as eye shadow. It is used in amulets to protect against the evil eye. In the Middle Ages it was used to protect children from witches and other dangers.
Thuya Wood
Thuya wood is one of the most exclusive timbers, is incredibly rare, and is only found on exceedingly luxurious pieces of furniture
Thuya wood usually ranges in colour from a golden brown to a medium reddish brown. It has a characteristic three dimensional light and shade patterned appearance, accompanied by a multitude of small dark ‘eye’ formations.
Sourced from an evergreen conifer, Thuya wood is primarily native to the Atlas mountains of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia in north-west Africa, with smaller settlements in Malta and near Cartagena in south-east Spain.
The most desirable parts of the wood are obtained from the burrs that are located underground within the large roots of the tree. Whilst rarely used by English cabinet makers and box makers, Thuya wood tended to be more favoured by their French counterparts
Our reference: A5106
Internal Reference: A5106
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1205785
Dateline of this antique is 1900
Height is 78cm (30.7inches)Width is 40cm (15.7inches)Depth is 40cm (15.7inches)
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.