The high Victorian ebonised side or centre table having a rectangular top above a painted frieze outlined with simulated ivory, raised on very well turned ring and baluster legs and hailing from the estate of the Earls of Crawford and Balcarres, Balcarres House, Fife, Scotland.
The Earls of Crawford and Balcarres, Balcarres House, Fife, Scotland.
The table is decorated to all sides, so it does point to it being used as a centre table as opposed to a side table.
Balcarres, Scottish home of the Earls of Crawford and Balcarres, takes its name from the Gaelic baile carrach, meaning rough or stony settlement. Located in the East Neuk of Fife, not far from the village of Colinsburgh, the house originated as a Z-plan tower in the 16th century, with improvements and extensions taking place over the next three centuries which have substantially altered its appearance, but kept to the Scots Baronial style at its core. The house sits in a prominent position with views over the surrounding countryside and across the Firth of Forth to the Lothians, Bass Rock, the Lammermuir Hills, and the Edinburgh hills.
The best quality example of this type of furniture we have seen and a glimpse into the grand country house of Balcarres.
The table has a superb colour and is in very good original condition. She sits well and sturdy and has expected wear to the ebonised finish with some attractive craquelure in places.
By appointment only.
