William and Mary marquetry oyster side table
A remarkable William and Mary
marquetry oyster table with inlaid ivory motifs on barley twist legs and additional barley twist platform stretcher with conforming pattern.
The ivory inlays depict allegorical imagery with the figure of Justice in the centre carrying scales and armed with a sword.
The oyster veneer surrounding Justice has been carefully selected to create a sunburst like effect.
The central oval is delineated by tiny chequer board inlays, these are repeated outwards to form two adjacent circles containing the smaller figures of Liberty on the left and Victory on the right.
Moving outwards, four more circles are set into a ground of oystered olive wood veneer. Each of these circles contains a star and in the centre its own intricate scene depicting nature.
There are two more stars inlaid in light and dark wood above and below the figure of Justice.
Finally, in each of the four corners, also inlaid in ivory, are cherubs.
The table has a single drawer and is adorned with marquetry on the sides, drawer front and at the base of the legs. The legs are finished on original bun feet.
This table is of the highest craftsmanship and typical of the ornate style, of Asian influence, commonly associated with the period. Stylistically it bears a strong resemblance to the work of Dutch craftsman Gerrit Jensen who was the appointed Royal cabinet maker to the King and Queen
Origin England
c. 1690
Dimensions
W 116 cm / 45.6 in
D 82 cm / 32.2 in
H 76 cm / 29.9 in
Stock Number
8/8049