拍品專文
The harlequin multi-purpose mechanical table for eating, writing and gaming was named after the master-of-disguises in the 18th Century Commedia del Arte theatre. A related design for a harlequin table of this form is included on the trade card of Thomas Potter (d.1782), cabinet-maker of High Holborn (now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, ref. no. E.2320-1889).
An English table of this model is at Temple Newsam House, Leeds and is illustrated alongside Potter's design in G. Gilbert, Furniture at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hall , Vol. III, Leeds, 1998, pp. 658-660.
A similar padouk Harlequin table, with shell-carved legs was sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 1 October 1992, lot 69. Another example of similar form, but with a simpler overall design and lappet-headed legs, was offered anonymously at Sotheby's, London, 5 June, 2007, lot 186.