A rare near circular table BERLIN, CIRCA 1800-1805

the top of mahogany, raised on tripod formed by three snakes, each carved with avian head, joined at mid-height by a cloth, painted green and partly gilt

Related literature:
Achim Stiegel, Berliner Moebelkunst vom Ende des 18. bis zur Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts, Munich, 2003, p. 520.

The top scratched, dark rectangular stain in the centre, loss to green painted decoration. Top associated.
"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."

A very similar table is recorded in possession of Herzog Ernst von Sachsen-Altenburg, Schloss Altenburg (inv. no. 858) and another at Schloss Pfaueninsel in the Meierei. Dr. Stiegel relates the carving of these tripods formed by snakes to the work of Friedrich Wilhelm Haenisch. The very same type of tables can be discerned in watercolour interiors painted by Edouard Gaertner in 1847 and 1856 (preserved at Darmstadt in the Schlossmuseum). These reproduce the so-called Gruenes Zimmer of Prince William and Princess Marianne (married 1804) and the Salon of Prince Adalbert in the Berliner Palais on the Leipziger Platz.
A table of later date to the present one, supported by very similar co-joined snakes, there cast in bronze and patinated, was sold at Bonham's in San Francisco, 27 October, 2008, lot 3392W.