Grand Tour Specimen Marble Table Top – Mallett Coffee Table

Grand Tour Specimen Marble Table Top – Mallett Coffee Table

A superb example of early nineteenth-century craftsmanship, this Grand Tour specimen marble table top is distinctively mounted on a Mallett coffee table base. Blending Italian micromosaic artistry with a refined English chinoiserie-inspired frame, it harmoniously bridges European sophistication and timeless decorative appeal.

Origin: England, Italy
Date: Circa 1800
Material: Specimen marble, granites, semi-precious stones, jasper, painted wood

Dimensions: Height: 43 cm (17 ins) | Width: 62 cm (24.5 ins) | Depth: 88 cm (34.6 ins)

Condition: Excellent, with vibrant painted surfaces and only minor wear commensurate with age

This exquisite coffee table evokes the intrigue of Grand Tour acquisitions, where British collectors sought extraordinary souvenirs from their travels across Europe. Such specimen marble tops, particularly those featuring micromosaics, are closely associated with the refined taste of the Regency period and can be seen in esteemed collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum. The chinoiserie-inspired wooden base, with its painted surface and Pompeian red detailing, infuses playful historicism and adds a unique layer to the piece's provenance.

Notable Features:

• Contains 68 expertly inset specimens: marbles, granites, jaspers, and semi-precious stones, showcasing a remarkable variety of natural materials
• Central micromosaic medallion depicting delicate flowers set against a striking black marble ground, exemplifying fine Italian mosaic technique
• Chinoiserie base with painted finish and bold Pompeian red highlights, offering a sought-after blend of Oriental influence and neoclassical accents

Collectors and connoisseurs will appreciate the rarity and scale of this low table, making it a desirable centrepiece for refined interiors. Its size and enduring materials ensure it is not only a visual delight but also ideal for functional use as a coffee table or prominent display piece.

For those in search of a sophisticated Grand Tour coffee table that merges historic artistry with collectable appeal, this Mallett table offers a perfect synthesis of European heritage, craftsmanship, and decorative value.