MID-18TH CENTURY

This purpose of this idiosyncratic table is unclear though it undoubtedly displays great quality and character. It has been suggested that it was intended as a sculpture stand and, given the presence of a metal liner, has evidently been used as a jardiniere or planter at some time. It bears comparison with a walnut stand supplied to the Crosbie family on Ballyheigue Castle, Co. Kerry around 1740-50 for the display of a Flemish small chest, and the prominent shells on the frieze and incised line accentuating the curves of the frieze (the latter also featured on the Crosbie stand) are commonly associated with Irish tables. The Crosbie chest-on-stand is now at Castletown House, Co. Kildare (The Knight of Glin and James Peill, Irish Furniture, New Haven and London, 2007, pp. 60-61, fig. 67).