A superb exemplar of Regency artistry, this specimen marble and rosewood centre table unites exquisite Italian craftsmanship with renowned British cabinet-making. Created in the early nineteenth century, it embodies the refined tastes and technical mastery of Europe’s decorative arts circa 1815.
Origin: England and Italy, base attributed to Gillow
Date: Circa 1815
Material: Specimen marble (tabletop), rosewood (base)
Dimensions: Height: 76 cm (30 ins); Diameter: 100 cm (39.5 ins)
Condition: Excellent patina; base and top both present superbly with minor expected wear
This exceptional centre table takes pride of place within the Regency period, resonating with the era’s fascination for geological wonders and elite craftsmanship. Its top, painstakingly composed of 373 distinct specimen hardstones, rivals comparable pieces held in the Victoria and Albert Museum and similar grand collections. The union of Italian mosaics with an English rosewood base by Gillow—a name synonymous with quality and innovation—places this accent table amongst the most accomplished of its kind.
Notable Features:
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Exceptional Craftsmanship:
The tabletop showcases meticulous inlay work, with hundreds of precious hardstones arranged in a radiating specimen pattern. Gillow’s masterful rosewood base offers detailed carving, ensuring durability as well as decorative appeal. -
Design Significance:
This table captures the essence of Regency style, with classically inspired symmetry and elegant proportions. The marriage of variegated marble with richly grained rosewood epitomises the era’s taste for contrast and refinement. -
Collecting Value:
A rare surviving example featuring 373 minerals, this centre table is distinguished by its scale, provenance, and untouched surface. Serious collectors and connoisseurs will prize its historical significance and the renowned Gillow connection. -
Practical Value:
Its generous diameter and robust construction make it ideal for prominent display in a drawing room, library, or focal reception setting. Equally suited to period interiors or as a striking collector’s piece, this table offers both decorative magnificence and ongoing investment potential.
Seamlessly blending sophistication with substance, this specimen marble and rosewood centre table is an unrivalled opportunity for those seeking a genuine statement piece reflecting Regency style and heritage in today’s collection of accent tables.
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