A RARE PAIR OF LATE 18TH-CENTURY SIDE TABLES

[Click image to view in new window, left or right arrow to see previous or next image.]

A RARE PAIR OF LATE 18TH-CENTURY SIDE TABLES

Netherlands, circa 1790.

Dimensions:
Height :77cm / 30.3 Inches 
Width: 76cm / 30 Inches 
Depth: 43cm / 17 Inches 

A rare and highly decorative pair of late 18th-century Dutch Satinwood and Sycamore side or occasional tables, of exceptional visual appeal and exhibiting the sophisticated taste for richly ornamented furniture characteristic of the Netherlands during the closing decades of the 18th century.

Each table with a rectangular, finely banded top above a single drawer, raised on four square, tapering legs terminating in distinctive brass ball toes.

The tables are particularly notable for their exceptionally fine ‘Tunbridge Ware’-type inlaid decoration, applied to the friezes, drawer fronts and legs in intricate geometric and floral patterns. The drawer fronts are further embellished with central lacquered panels, flanked by finely cast brass handles with blue enamel decoration, providing a striking contrast to the warm colour and richly patterned timber.

The combination of lacquer, enamelled brass, geometric inlay and finely figured veneers gives the pair an unusually vibrant and sophisticated appearance. Their ornament reflects the late 18th-century Dutch fascination with exotic materials, intricate inlay and highly refined cabinet-making techniques.

The compact proportions make them exceptionally versatile, equally suited as occasional tables, lamp tables, side tables or bedside tables. Their scale belies their considerable decorative presence.

Reference: A closely related example is illustrated in Nederlandse Meubelen, van Barok tot Biedermeier 1700–1830, fig. 322, p. 189