Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Victorian Papier Mache Coffee Table to the 19th Century.
The rectangular tray-form top has a raised rim running around the entire edge and is decorated throughout with flowers, foliage and fruit in gilt and coloured detail against a dark japanned ground. The floral decoration continues onto the raised border surrounding the tray.
The base is formed from dark rosewood with carved cabriole legs and a shaped carved apron.
Tables of this type were created by cabinetmakers and restorers by combining earlier antique components, particularly decorative papier-mâché trays with Victorian footstool or low-table bases. This produced individual pieces that retained the age, craftsmanship and decorative character of the original 19th-century elements while creating a practical piece of furniture for modern interiors.
The result is a particularly unusual and decorative coffee table, with a useful size and proportions for a living room or seating area. It works especially well as an interior design piece, combining genuine Victorian components with a form that remains practical for everyday use.
Dimensions
Height: 40.5 cm (15.94 in)
Length: 78 cm (30.71 in)
Width: 58 cm (22.83 in)
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Victorian Papier Mache Coffee Table to the 19th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables Profile Page
Mid-victorian Rosewood & Japanned Papier-mâché Coffee Table, C.1850–1870
