Rare Victorian Irish Killarney Ware Nest of Three Marquetry Tables

A very rare nest of three Irish Killarney ware arbutus and yew marquetry tables dating to the mid 19th century. Each inlaid to the tops with ferns and trailing shamrocks and centred with oval vignettes of romantic scenes of Muckross Abbey, Ross Castle and Innisfallen Abbey. Each raised on slender ring turned legs with trestle ends joined by a bow stretcher and ring turned stretcher to the smallest. Good condition, sympathetically cleaned and waxed ready for use. Some old insect holes which have been treated for peace of mind and the front edge moulding of the centre table has dents/damage, shrinkage lines to the top and signs of age/wear consistent with age.

Approximate dimensions at largest points

(width x depth x height)

Largest - 24in x 15in x 25in (61cm x 38cm x 63.5cm)

Middle - 21.25in x 15in x 24.5in (54cm x 38cm x 62cm)

Smallest - 19in x 15in x 23.5in (48cm x 38cm x 60cm)

Ref: 0576

The craftsmen of Killarney produced small boxes and portable pieces of furniture from local woods as souvenirs for tourists to the area, larger and more profusely inlaid items such as this beautiful nest of tables would only have been afforded by the most wealthy. Arbutus and yew are the main timbers used in Killarney furniture and were versatile in the effects created by the use of its veneers from the root, trunk and branches. Other local timbers were also used including holly, sycamore, laburnum and maple as well as Irish bog oak.

For a similar set of tables see Christies, Fine English Furniture 15 June 2000, lot 150.

Please feel free to ask any questions or for more photos.

When buying it is important appreciate antiques have long histories of daily use and as such, over time they gain minor scratches, marks, knocks, shrinkage splits, signs of old woodworm, lifts and losses to veneer, which combine with care and years of polishing to create an individual character and patina. We describe the main flaws and those that fall outside of this bracket but cannot describe each marks separately and therefore suggest you do take the time to request extra photos. We do offer a 14 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase but cannot refund the return shipping cost. If you are not sure please do not buy without clarifying or take the view that the only way to have it as near to new as possible is to have it fully and comprehensively restored.

For delivery we use a small carrier experience in carrying antique furniture. Delivery is usually within 31 days and the carrier will make arrangements with you directly. We can provide contact details of other carriers if required.