This impressive Irish side table with characteristically flatly-carved shaped apron, probably originally had a white Kilkenny marble top with a moulded edge. The vertuosity of the carved lion-masks on the knees is particularly noteworthy. The lion-paw foot, with an exagerated clasping action, is particularly fine and an unusual feature.
The acanthus-scrolled and strapwork apron is centred by an armorial of a lion rampant. Unlike their English counterparts, Irish side tables are quite often centred by an armorial, such as two in the Hall at Glin Castle, Co. Limerick (one illustrated in J. O'Brien and D. Guiness, Great Irish Houses and Castles, London, 1992, p. 151). Unfortunately, the number of families using a lion rampant on their arms, makes it impossible to pin down the original provenance for this table.