THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

Details

AN IRISH GEORGE III MAHOGANY WAKE TABLE
THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY
The oval twin-flap top on eight square moulded legs
29 ½ in. 75 cm.) high; 59 in. (150 cm.) wide, open; 83 ½ in. (212 cm.) long

Special notice

Specified lots (sold and unsold) marked with a filled square not collected from Christie’s by 5.00 pm on the day of the sale will, at our option, be removed to Cadogan Tate. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Cadogan Tate Ltd. All collections will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.

Brought to you by

Carys Bingham

cbingham@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2350

Lot Essay

These Irish oval-topped drop-leaf tables are traditionally known as 'wake' tables. Their narrow shape when the flaps are down, allows them to be conveniently placed against a wall, out of the way, often in a hall or dining-room, but by tradition they were employed to support a coffin prior to burial, their narrow shape being ideally suited for such purpose. Their mobile nature and usefulness has resulted in many examples remaining in situ in houses throughout Ireland such as in the dining-rooms of Leixlip Castle, Co. Kildare, Bellamont Forest, Co. Cavan, Mount Stewart, Co. Down and in the hall at Luggala, Co. Wicklow (see J. O'Brien and D. Guinness, Great Irish Houses and Gardens, London, 1992, pps. 23, 68, 157 and 192).

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