IN THE MANNER OF MATHEW AND INCE, CIRCA 1780

With its use of quarter-veneering in sabicu, and inlaid shaded oval paterae with stained and engraved detail, this table demonstrates features characteristic of the Golden Square firm of Mayhew and Ince. The firm was established in Broad St. in 1759, and although records exist of their commissions, it is extremely difficult to firmly attribute works to them due to the unpredictible variations in style, construction and quality of workmanship throughout the company's forty years of production from the late 1750's until 1804. However, it is certainly for their use of engraved and stained marquetry for which they are best known. A related pembroke table attributed to the firm with quartered kingwood veneer to the top and with similar oval paterae at the tops of the legs, and with further paterae and swags overall was sold at Sotheby's, Pulborough, 1 March 1983, lot 113 (see L. Wood, Catalogue of Commodes, London, 1994, p. 194, no. 183.) A bonheur-du-jour also in the manner of Ince and Mayhew in harewood with similar oval paterae to the frieze and issuing engraved swags, was sold anonymously in these Rooms, 19 April 1991, lot 194.