Object Description
A stunning and extremely rare early 19th century (circa 1825) inlaid specimen wood games table or centre table of fine patina, probably Ceylonese.
This table consists of a superbly decorative top consisting of two leaves, one fixed and the other being reversible.
The two leaves creating a games table top consisting of rare inlaid specimen woods with ebony forming a chequered design for games, the corners with fan decoration with a decorative border and outer ebony banding.
The single leaf, once reversed consists of specimen woods and ebony forming a chequered design for games with burr wood to either side, all surrounded by an ebony banding,
The top sits in a frame with moulded edge with specimen Gonçalo Alves frieze and a moulding below, each corner with suspended ebonised beehive style turning.
The top is supported on a carved and ebonised lyre shaped base, the lyre supports with scrolling acanthus decoration and brasswork to replicate strings leading down to a plinth with carved bead design with central Gonçalo Alves panel joined by a turned and carved stretcher and terminating with foliate ball and claw feet.
The top can be removed to reveal an area which could be used for storage of games counters, pieces etc.
This table is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home or collection – although this is a games table it could also be used as a wonderful centre table.
Similar variations of specimen pieces of furniture can be found in the book ‘Furniture From British India And Ceylon’ by Amin Jaffer, pages 372-373