A George II carved mahogany side table, circa 1750

This table’s pierced apron brings a decorative variation to a common mid-eighteenth-century form of side table. Often associated with Ireland, these tend to be in a rich, dark mahogany with cabriole legs and usually have a plain frieze incorporating a carved shell motif. While a different, more splendid form of side table featuring swags and fruit will often feature a pierced apron, it is unusual for the simpler type to incorporate a pierced detail like the central rocaille on the present lot. There are some comparable examples of similar pierced aprons, though, one of which is illustrated in the Dictionary of English Furniture¹ and later sold at Christie’s London, 27 May 2010, lot 51. A close comparable stylistically sold at Christie’s London, 6 July 2000, lot 30, and another example with a pierced apron sold at Christie’s New York, 18 October 2005, lot 350.

¹ Ralph Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, rev. ed., Wappingers’ Falls NY, 1986, vol III, p.292, fig. 50.