Lot Essay
The 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.
A similar padouk Harlequin table, with shell-carved legs was sold anonymously, in these Rooms, 1 October 1992, lot 69.
A similar padouk Harlequin table, with shell-carved legs was sold anonymously, in these Rooms, 1 October 1992, lot 69.