Antique Early 18th Century Tables
Early 18th Century Tables
Changing social customs at the beginning of the 18th century created a need for many new types of table. The fashion for entertaining small groups of people led to a demand for light, portable tables that could be arranged wherever required. Specific tables were made for playing cards, taking tea, and writing letters.
The card table was primarily a British innovation. In the early part of the 18th century the card table was basically a square table with a hinged top that folded back. The rear leg swung back to support the open top. As card tables were stored against the wall, only the front skirt and legs were carved. The top often had hollowed-out corners for holding cards, chips, or candlesticks.
Writing tables were often fitted with a velvet or leather writing surface. Lady’s writing tables were small, with a sloping top and a drawer for storing writing materials. These tables could also be used for embroidery or needlepoint. Men’s writing tables, which were known in France as bureaux plats, were larger and had flat tops and a storage drawer.
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Both console tables and pier tables were created as part of the design for an integrated interior. A console table usually had supports at the front only, because the back was attached to a wall. Pier tables were also designed to be positioned against the wall, but these were usually smaller, and had four legs. Traditionally, they stood between two windows or doors, and often had matching mirrors, known as pier glasses, above them. Both types of table were often elaborately decorated with carving and gilt, and had decorative marble tops, but the designs were generally lighter than the Baroque style favoured in the 17th century and they incorporated the asymmetric, natural motifs of the Rococo style.
Pedestal tables were columnar and had three splayed legs. The style of the tabletops varied. These tables were often used in dining rooms as tea tables for holding china and crockery
Tripod candlestands generally had small, rounded tops. Larger tripod tables were often called tea tables, and the finest examples had scalloped tops with moulded edges, and elaborately carved columns and feet.
FRENCH REGENCE TABLE
This table is made of ebony with brass inlays. It has a serpentine bronze-framed top above three drawers at the front and blind drawers at the back. The piece is decorated with ormolu and sabot mounts, and has cabriole legs. c.1720.
The top is covered with inset gold leather.
enamel bowl diameter 285 cm
The corners and sides are decorated with ormolu masks.
The legs are cabriole shaped.
Ormolu mounts in the shape of animal hooves protect the feet.
SWISS CONSOLE TABLE
This gilt table, probably made in Bern, has a marble top above a carved, pierced frame with Rococo scrolls, foliage, and asymmetrical shells. The apron and stretcher are both carved with an asymmetrical cartouche. c.1765.
GERMAN PIER TABLE
This small pier table displays both Rococo and Neoclassical elements. The top is made of marble and sits above a frieze, decorated with a stylized Greek key motif.
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It is supported by four carved, scrolled legs. c.1760.
GERMAN OAK TABLE
This imposing oak table is made in the Franconian Baroque style. It is veneered in walnut and the shaped top is inlaid with damson, cherrywood, and maple wood in a geometric marquetry pattern within a crossbanded surround. A shallow frieze,
which is also crossbanded, leads into carved cabriole legs with scroll feet. The legs are joined by flat, shaped stretchers. The piece terminates in ball feet. 18th century.
ENGLISH SIDE TABLE
This small, vernacular side table is made of oak and fruitwood. It has one narrow frieze drawer above an undulating, shaped apron. The table stands on turned, slightly tapering legs, and terminates in pad feet. c.1750.
SICILIAN SIDE TABLE
This table is made of gilded pine with a marble top. The frieze is faced with glass panels painted on the underside to simulate blue-grey onyx. Neoclassical symbols, such as egg and dart, bay leaf mouldings, and lion’s masks, provide decoration. The tapered legs have acanthus plumes and are faced with glass panels. 18th century.
GILTWOOD SIDE TABLE
This French Regence side table is heavily carved and covered with gilt.
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The top is made of rosso antico marble. The frieze and cabriole legs are elaborately decorated with carvings of pierced foliage surmounted by nymphs’ heads. The table was bought by an English gentleman for his country house. c.1725.
GILTWOOD SIDE TABLE
This marble-topped giltwood table, which may be of German origin, has an ornately carved frieze and apron, which are enlivened with Rococo flames and swags of flowers on each side. The cabriole legs have carved knees decorated with large, bearded masks. 18th century.
ENGLISH TEA TABLE
This George II tea table has a mechanical concertina action, which means that when the two-part hinged tabletop is open, it reveals compartments for holding games.
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The piece stands on cabriole legs and terminates in claw-and-ball feet. c.1750.
GERMAN TABLE
This simple table, which has one small drawer underneath an inlaid floral marquetry top, is decorated with more marquetry over the shaped frieze and cabriole legs. It is small enough to move easily, and would have fulfilled many uses.
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LOUIS XV WRITING TABLE
This small French writing table has a raised, pierced brass edge around the top. The sides and feet are decorated with ormolu mounts. The escutcheons are asymmetrical in typical Rococo style. c.1750.
18kt white gold diamond ring
AMERICAN TEA TABLE
This vernacular table is made of painted maple. The rectangular top has a moulded edge projecting over a shaped skirt with a drawer. The corners of the frieze continue into sharp edges down the cabriole legs, which lead into pad feet. c.1740.
series gr 60 gold
Tilt-top tables had three parts: the top, a “birdcage” mechanism that enabled the top to tilt and revolve, and a columnar support with a tripod base. The top folded flat, so that the table could be stored against a wall.
The top had a lip around the edge, to protect items on the table, such as valuable porcelain cups. The birdcage, named after its appearance, was used in England but was more popular in America. An iron catch was fitted to the underside of the top and birdcage, to lock the top in place. The column was anchored to the birdcage with a removable wedge. The various parts of the table were purchased from different craftsmen, then assembled by a cabinet-maker.
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Tilt-top tables from Philadelphia arc considered the best examples of colonial cabinet-making. The finest ones are made of solid mahogany, which makes it difficult to distinguish them from English examples.
TILT-TOP TABLES
Detail of mechanism
Philadelphia tilt-top tea table This fine table has a birdcage support, a scalloped edge, a tripod base, and claw-and-ball feet. The top is made from a single piece of figured mahogany.
Tags: baroque style, bureaux, cabriole, card tables, design, dining rooms, ENGLISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, GILTWOOD, leg, marble tops, Neoclassical, oak, ormolu, pedestal tables, pier tables, rear leg, REGENCE, Rococo, rococo style, storage drawer, table, Tables, tea tables, velvet, writing tables