A George III giltwood and gesso demi-lune pier table Irish, circa 1780, the top attributed to Pietro Bossi

Almost certainly acquired by Simon White for Bantry House, Co. Cork and thence by descent.

This table is in country house condition. The top has some losses to the scagliola particularly along the centre rear edge and some minor chips. There are losses throughout to the gilding particualrly to the bases of the legs. The gilding is later over gilding. There are losses to the gesso throughout.
"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."

The design of the top osf this table with coloured pastes inset into a white marble ground may be attributed to Pietro Bossi, an Italian craftsman who is listed in the Dublin Directories as Inlayer in marble and Stucco Worker at 22 Fleet Street in 1785-86 and at 38 Fleet Street in 1787-98. It is believed that he may be the same Bossi working for John Augustus Richter in Dresden in 1765, who would have later moved with him to London working under the partnership of Bartoli and Richter. John Richter had taken out a patent for An Art or Method on inlaying Scagiola or Plaster in and upon Marble and Metals to imitate....all sorts of ornament in 1770 (no. 978).