George III Mahogany Octagonal Tripod Table

Extremely Fine and Rare George III Mahogany Octagonal Tripod Table With Extensive Provenance.

English c.1760

Provenance

J. Rouse esq., c.1916

Acquired from either Trevor Antiques of Brighton or Charles Woollett and Sons of Wigmore Street, London, c.1950

A private collection

Christie's London, 1999

A New York private collection

Sold at Christie's New York, 18th of October 2005, lot 390 ($66,000)1600-

Aso Tavitian

With a bird cage mechanism allowing the top to be rotated and tilted, this fine table is of octagonal shape with a laminated gallery. The pattern of fretwork used for the gallery is very unusual and is not one of the designs published in the 18th century by the likes of Crudden, Chippendale or Darly and so suggests that it was probably invented in-house by one of the great cabinetmakers of the period. Tripod tables have long been regarded as one of the most prized of all pieces by serious collectors of English furniture and those with laminated fretwork galleries are particularly sought-after, reflecting as they do the fascination with chinoiserie and the rococo in the middle of the 18th century in England.

The present table has a finely carved stem with stop fluting leading down to two ring mouldings above a baluster section with acanthus carving. Another succession of rings follow to an egg and dart moulding above the three downswept legs, all profusely carved with acanthus leaves and beading topped with bell flowers, with each leg terminating on a strongly defined claw and ball foot.

The top block bearing a depository table FREDK.FISH & SON,/DEPOSITORY,/IPSWICH with a pencil inscription Mr Rouse/No.15/March 14.16

The present piece is closely comparable to a table once owned by the great dealers Norman Adams Ltd and illustrated in the book British Furniture 1600-2000. The design of the piece is extremely sophisticated, the octagonal top an uncommon feature and a highly attractive one, especially when combined with the fretwork which is laminated with the grain in opposite directions for added strength. Tables of this sort were commonly thought of as tea tables in the 18th century and would have been used in conjunction with a kettle stand with comparable decoration when new. A visit to a collection such as that of the late Noel Terry now housed in Fairfax House in York reveals tables of comparable quality, collected in the early 20th century at the same time as the present piece was in the collection of the mysterious "J. Rouse", his name indicated on a depository label attached to the reverse of the piece along with the date of 1916.

The present table has been in the collection of one of the leading connoisseurs of English furniture in the late 20th century, Mr. Aso Tavitian, as well as having been handled in the mid-20th century by either Woollett and Sons or Trevor Antiques, both leading dealers of the time.

Dimensions

Width 26 inches - 66cm

Height 30 1/2 inches - 77.5cm

Depth 26 inches – 66cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.