Object Description
This is a stylish antique Swedish Karelian Birch Biedermeier Sofa table with ebonised detail, circa 1820 in date.
The table features a rectangular top with a drop flap to each side above a useful frieze drawer. It stands on a gilt and ebonised fluted doric column pedestal on a shaped platform base raised on ebonised lion’s paw feet.
The grain of the wood is truly breathtaking and the quality and attention to detail on display throughout this large and sturdy piece are second to none.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 74 cm x Width 129 cm x Depth 68 cm – Flaps up
Height 74 cm x Width 90 cm x Depth 68 cm – Flaps dowm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 5 inches x Width 4 foot, 3 inches x Depth 2 foot, 3 inches – Flaps up
Height 2 foot, 5 inches x Width 2 foot, 11 inches x Depth 2 foot, 3 inches – Flaps dowm
Biedermeier Period
refers to an era in Central Europe during which arts appealed to common sensibilities in the historical period between 1815, the year of the Congress of Vienna at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, and 1848, the year of the European revolutions.
Although the term itself is a historical reference, it is predominantly used to denote the artistic styles that flourished in the fields of literature, music, the visual arts and interior design.
Biedermeier was an influential style of furniture design from Germany during the years 1815–1848, based on utilitarian principles. The period extended into Austria and Scandinavia.
Throughout the period, emphasis was kept upon clean lines and minimal ornamentation. As the period progressed, however, the style moved from the early rebellion against Romantic-era fussiness to increasingly ornate commissions by a rising middle class, eager to show their newfound wealth.
The idea of clean lines and utilitarian postures would resurface in the 20th century, continuing into the present day. The Biedermeier style was a simplified interpretation of the influential French Empire Style of Napoleon I, which introduced the romance of ancient Roman Empire styles, adapting these to modern early 19th century households. Biedermeier furniture used locally available materials such as cherry, ash and oak woods rather than the expensive timbers such as fully imported mahogany.
Biedermeier furniture and lifestyle was a focus on exhibitions at the Vienna applied arts museum in 1896. The many visitors to this exhibition were so influenced by this fantasy style and its elegance that a new resurgence or revival period became popular amongst European cabinetmakers.
This revival period lasted up until the Art Deco style was taken up. Biedermeier also influenced the various Bauhaus styles through their truth in material philosophy.
Karelian Birch
Karelian Burr Birch Wood is is found between Finland and Russia in the region of Karelia. This wood can create an absolutely stunning, one of a kind piece of furniture. It is a very pretty wood which is similar to Birdseye Maple.
Mostly used for highly decorative furniture and historically the Tsars furniture ” The Imperial Furniture” was made in Karelian Birch Burr.
Our reference: A1567x