A wonderfully unusual and decorative antique Swiss Black Forest occasional table of exceptional character, featuring a beautifully hand painted top surrounded by intricate chip-carved decoration.The octagonal top is richly decorated with a series of finely executed hand painted panels depicting figures in traditional Alpine dress, arranged around a central landscape scene. The paintings are framed by carved floral ornament and geometric chip carving, creating a striking folk art composition that displays considerable craftsmanship and artistic merit.The table stands on a turned pedestal with carved detail above a graceful tripod base with elegant cabriole legs. The warm colour of the timber complements the painted decoration beautifully and gives the piece a charming country house feel.Pieces of this quality and originality were often produced in Switzerland for the luxury tourist market during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Today they are highly sought ...