An impressive Gothic carved oak and alder refectory table, Languedoc Rousillon 16th century

with a rectangular top on three trestle supports, joined by a stretcher

There is a construction crack running across top, which has been secured with a metal piece at the side. Several smaller cracks commensurate with age. Old very minor marks, chips and gouges. There is also another wider crack to top on the opposing side which is being held together with a metal piece. There are also cracks in the trestle section as visible from the catalogue photograph. Top is slightly warped due to shrinkage of panels. A very rare and impressive piece. In very good original condition. Highly recommended.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Penelope Eames, Furniture in England, France and the Netherlands from the twelfth to the fifteenth century, The Cinoa Award 1977, p. 223-224.
Collections Bruno Perrier, Haute Epoque, Ader Tajan, 6^th  April 1992, p. 24-25, lot 9. E
Eric Mercer, Furniture 700-1700, The social history of the decorative arts, London, 1969, p. 65, plate 1, illustrates a 15th century French manuscript, showing the function of the trestle table at important ceremonial occasions depicting, `The Duke of Lancaster dining with the King of Portugal', (Royal MSS.14 E IV f. 244. (British Museum)), reproduced here in fig.1.

This tables rarity is due to its immense size and the presence of three rather than the usual two massive supports. The shape of this table reflects the most ancient types of table with firstly a mobile and then a subsequently fixed top reflecting the more sedentary lifestyle. One of the earliest examples of this type of table is found in 1313, where it was referrred to as `unam mensam cum pedibus ad comedendum'. Sometimes their supports were even set into the floor such as the table in the hall at Winchester College.

The present table, of exceptional dimensions, with an enormous rectangular top is comprised of jointed boards raised on trestle supports and a related example is in the Musée de Plessis-les-Tours, which is on x-form supports.

The simplicity of this table illustrates how monastic furniture remained fairly simplistic throughout the ages and was not subjected to the fashions of the outside world. This table also is reminiscent of the tables named `Bigourdane' as they were produced around the Bagnères de Bigorre region.

A very similar refectory table is illustrated by Bruno Perrier, op. cit., 24-25, lot 9, described as Pyreneess XVI-XVII century and was made of oak and beech..

A related table with similar supports was sold in these Rooms, as lot 109, Haute Epoque, 29th October 2003 (£128,000).

Also see a large French refectory table sold from the Château de Cornillon, Loire, France, in these Rooms, lot 24, 31st October 2006 (£420,000).