Object Description
This is a beautiful Empire revival malachite and walnut, patinated bronze-decorated and parcel gilt coffee table, early 20th Century in date.
The table with a striking circular quarter veneered sunburst malachite top raised on four seated winged sphinx supports, each terminating in a stepped plinth base.
There is no mistaking its unique quality and striking design, which is certain to make this table a talking point in your home and add a sparkle to your reception room.
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 41 cm x Width 99 cm x Depth 99 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 4 inches x Width 3 foot, 3 inches x Depth 3 foot, 3 inches
Malachite is an opaque, green-banded mineral. It is believed to be a strong protector of children. It protects the wearer from accidents and protects travellers. Malachite has been used to aid business success and protect against undesirable business associations. It is a stone of balance in relationships.
Malachite is always green, usually in banded tones varying from very dark green to a mellow green. Most malachite comes from Zaire, Chile, and Australia.
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used malachite for jewellery and ground it to use as eye shadow. It is used in amulets to protect against the evil eye. In the Middle Ages, it was used to protect children from witches and other dangers.
Walnut & Burr Walnut
Walnut is a hard, dense, tight- grained wood that polishes to a very smooth finish. It is a popular and attractive wood whose colour ranges from near white in the sapwood to a dark hue in the heartwood. When dried in a kiln, walnut wood tends to develop a dull brown colour, but when air-dried, it can become a rich purplish-brown. Because of its colour, hardness, and grain, it is a prized furniture and carving wood. Walnut veneer was highly priced, and the cost would reflect the ‘fanciness’ of the veneer – the more decorative, the more expensive and desirable.
Burr walnut refers to the swirling figure present in nearly all walnut when cut and polished, and especially in the wood taken from the base of the tree where it joins the roots. However, the true burr is a rare growth on the tree where hundreds of tiny branches have started to grow. Burr walnut produces some of the most complex and beautiful figuring you can find.
Our reference: A4133a