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A CHINESE EXPORT HUANG HUA-LI 'HARELQUIN' TRIPLE-FLAP DEMI-LUNE TEA AND GAMES TABLE

MID-18TH CENTURY

Details

A CHINESE EXPORT HUANG HUA-LI 'HARELQUIN' TRIPLE-FLAP DEMI-LUNE TEA AND GAMES TABLE
MID-18TH CENTURY
The hinged top opening to a polished surface and a baized-lined playing surface with a foliate carved border and four counter-wells, above a plain frieze on turned tapering legs and pad feet
27¾ in. (70.5 cm.) high; 31¾ in. (80.5 cm.) diam.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

This 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 accompanies patterns for harlequin and other tables, on the trade card (now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, no. E.2320-1889) of Thomas Potter (d.1782), cabinet-maker of High Holborn. This English presumably served as the inspiration to Chinese craftsmen executing furniture for Export.

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