The shaped top is crossbanded in calamander with an ebony molded edge above a conforming frieze drawer with rosewood inlay. Inspired by contemporary French tables, its graceful proportions and restrained ornament exemplify the Chippendale taste of the mid-eighteenth century. The table is raised on attenuated ebony-inlaid cabriole legs, and its restrained use of contrasting woods reflects the refined cabinetmaking of the period.

A low three-quarter gallery encloses the top, while the single drawer provides discreet storage. Compact in scale, it can serve as a side table or writing table, or be placed beside a chair or bed.

The first time I heard someone describe a piece of furniture as “beautifully drawn” was about this very table more than twenty years ago. That description here certainly holds up.

PROVENANCE
With Hyde Park Antiques, Ltd., New York, United States;
Private collection, New York, United States.