A small George III harewood Pembroke table with Gujarati mother-of-pearl panels, the table, circa 1780; the panels, 17th century

crossbanded and quarter-veneered, the oblong drop-leaf top and drawer inlaid with mother-of-pearl parquetry on square tapering legs headed by mother-of-pearl shaped lozenges, with label to the underside Inventory 1838 

Most probably purchased by The Hon. Charlotte Fitzroy, Viscountess Dungannon (1767 – 1828) for Brynkinalt Hall, Denbighshire during her extensive remodelling of the house in the first quarter of the 19^th century;
Thence by descent.

Related Literature

José Jordão Felgueiras, A Family of Precious Gujarati Objects, in Nuno Vassallo e Silva (ed.) - “A Herança de Rauluchantim, Ourivesaria e Objectos Preciosos da Índia para Portugal nos Séculos XVI-XVIII”, Lisbon, 1996, p.128-155.

A very rare example in good condition. There is some minor signs of warping to the drop leaves and top surface however as this piece is an art object rather than a functional piece of furniture this does not detract. The colour of the mother of pearl has some slight variation as to be expected. The timber is in good condition with some old marks and scratches commensurate with age and use.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Mother-of-pearl objects produced in the region of Gujarat are documented as early as 1502 when Vasco da Gama was presented by the Sultan of Melinde with a mother-of-pearl and gold bed. This production found in Portuguese traders eager buyers who sent these objects – caskets, boxes, vessels, trays – to Europe where they would adorn princely kunstkammern.

The small mother-of-pearl pieces are nailed to a wooden ground, creating a rich petal pattern that with its iridescence would create an object with an always reflecting and colour changing surface. Whilst in the 16th and 17th century centuries this type of rare objects were richly mounted with silver or gold, in the present lot, the sides of an early 17th century travelling cabinet were incorporated in a Pembroke table, thus embellishing a modern furniture piece.

Examples of adapted mother-of-pearl objects incorporated in later pieces exist, namely a Charles X ebony table with a games board as top (see Felgueiras, p. 142, recently with Carlton Hobbs, New York), or one impressive centre table, with later European elements to base, at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, home of the Marquesses of Salisbury.