EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Details

A REGENCY ORMOLU-MOUNTED ROSEWOOD WRITING-TABLE
EARLY 19TH CENTURY
The gilt-tooled purple leather-lined top above two part cedar-lined frieze drawers with applied anthemion and opposing false drawers, the sides with foliate, scrolled and wheat ear clasps, all within rope twist borders, on reeded and panelled end standards, joined by a turned stretcher, and with stepped, scrolled bases with applied rosettes and brass anti-friction castors, the drawer handles later, some mounts added, some re-cast, some missing
31 in. (79 cm.) high; 54 in. (128 cm). wide; 29½ in. (75 cm.) deep

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

The library writing-table is designed in the 'Grecian' style promoted in the early 19th century by the connoisseur Thomas Hope, who in 1807 published his Household Furniture and Interior Decoration. Hope drew inspiration from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, which he visited in the course of his grand tour, and his designs prominently featured classical motifs including the palmette or stylised honeysuckle displayed on the present lot. The table also derives its form from designs by George Smith, whose 1808 Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration included a related design for a 'Harlequin Table' (pl.70).
A similar table from the collection of Eric Moller was sold Sotheby's, London, 18 November 1993, lot 126 (£29,900 including premium).

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