AN ITALIAN BLACK AND GOLD JAPANNED SPECIMEN MARBLE CENTER TABLE

Details
AN ITALIAN BLACK AND GOLD JAPANNED SPECIMEN MARBLE CENTER TABLE
CIRCA 1817

The circular top with radiating patterns of various marbles including lapis lazuli, malachite, verde antico, brêche violette, Spanish brocatelle and jasper, on an acanthus-carved baluster stem and circular reeded platform, with paw feet- 28½in.(72cm.) high, 34½in.(88cm.) diameter

This lot will be sold with the original shipping invoices and papers identifying the specimen marbles used in the table top.
Provenance
Francois de Sanctis, Rome (retailer?)
Reverend R.W. Bland, Wellington Place, Belfast, Ireland

Lot Essay

A similar table was sold Phillips London, 9 February 1988, lot 105.

This table is a marvelous example of documented furniture made in Italy for export to British patrons. The table was purchased by a Reverend R.W. Bland (d.1880) of Belfast, Ireland from M. Francois de Sanctis (the retailer?) in Rome. According to the expense account included with this lot, the table was shipped from Rome via Leghorn in July 1826 aboard the English Brig ...... George and Mary (Matthew Braun, Captain) in the care of William, Earl of Liverpool and his brother Thomas.

A leather-bound booklet included with the lot is embossed with the title 'Pietre in Tavola Rotunda Firenze 1817'. The contents inscribed in ink identifies each of the marble specimens and its origin square-by-square in concentric rings. Another similar listing is included in contemporary script.